Anne Applebaum
9/14/2010

The British government, nostalgic for the hardy survivalism of World War II and eager for a secure future, is cutting government spending with vigor. The solution to that country’s economic woes seems to be austerity, and many British citizens and leaders are embracing this approach so that they can, in the words of Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, “look our children and grandchildren in the eye and say we did the best for them.” In contrast, austerity holds little appeal for Americans, who long for the post-war era prosperity and are still accustomed to instant gratification.

Applebaum is a weekly columnist for The Post, writing on foreign affairs.

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