And even within countries that are doing well, stubborn and troubling disparities can be found hiding within national averages.
Stubborn people are defensive, and, well, stubborn, and if you even say this word around them, then they will clam up and be even less likely to change.
In both France, where Peugeot has most of its factories, and Germany, Opel's home base, closing plants and laying off workers is extremely difficult because of labor laws as well as stubborn resistance from unions and political leaders.
Perhaps his attitude is reflective of his well-known stubborn or obsessive streak, or of a simple case of nostalgia or defiance.
The resurrection of zombie ideas, as well as the stubborn rejection of promising new ones, can both be important mechanisms for the advancement of human understanding.
"If you are well organised and stubborn you can eventually get things done, even in Spain where everyone told us it was impossible," Maura said.
His story, the many obstacles as well as the stubborn desire to reach the UK, is typical among the men here.
Major marches have been held in Las Vegas and Portland, and there have been strong showings in Chicago and Austin as well as a stubborn encampment in Atlanta.
Nail polish remover works well, but for stubborn polish, you could also try dipping the brush in pure acetone.
Happily, Iowa's rich, dark soil holds onto people like Kelly Biensen, a fifth-generation hog farmer, and his wife, Nina, a pair of stubborn, well-educated souls who want to do things differently.
Wenger, however, is a stubborn as well as a stylish man.
