4. Discussion
We live in difficult times. Although more foreign products are available to growing numbers of global consumers, and more countries look to increase exports and enhance their image, it seems that we are also experiencing greater tensions among trading partners as the world balance continuously shifts, economies rise or fall, and debt happens. The recent frictions within the EU are a case in point, as citizens in debt-heavy countries (e.g., Spain, Italy, Greece) develop a feelings of antipathy, and even anger, towards some of the northern countries, above all Germany, which are generally perceived not only to be richer but also not to have enough empathy for, and willingness to help, their southern neighbors.