Informed observers and policy makers are well aware that in recent years social welfare systems on both sides of the Atlantic have been subject to growing scrutiny, debate and controversy, especially due to high unemployment rates and extreme interest rates experienced during the last recession as well as important demographic changes such as the increase of women into the labour market and the aging population. The papers included in the colloquium discuss the situation of social welfare policy in three stages: historical developments and forces for change; the influence of the political process on social security developments; and, the nature of policy responses to demographic change.