The difference being in how those social programs were implemented and the taxes raised to cover the costs of them.<p>The USSR had a high cost in the military and suffered from economic stagnation. Unable to grow enough wheat they had to buy from the USA to feed their people.<p>Greece didn&#x27;t raise taxes enough to cover their debts from social programs. As their economy grew worse the cost of health insurance rose and costed more.<p>A lot of European nations can afford socialist programs because they don&#x27;t spend a lot on their military due to the USA protecting the European coasts after WW2.<p>Canada also does not spend a lot on their military due to a partnership with the USA to protect their coasts as well. So they have more money for socialist programs.