ABSTRACT
This chapter describes how the diversity of current institutions and practices in France, the US and China could translate into different ways of dealing with the issues of carbon emission reductions as well as income and wealth distribution within the context of a non-growing economy with sustainable welfare arrangements. It identifies some of the social forces and practices that could be pivotal for attaining the goal of a non-growing economic system in the three countries in question. Traditionally the centrality of a strong and interventionist state has been a defining feature of French capitalism. After the Second World War, the path chosen to bring the economy back on track was thus one of state-led growth. The state took control of key sectors of the economy, and a national planning board was created and given responsibility for the preparation of plans designed to enhance the performance of French industry.
