
Ian Bremmer
An incisive analysis of how globalism’s failures fuel political divisions and what can be done to rebuild social contracts worldwide.
Ian Bremmer is the founder of Eurasia Group, a leading global political risk research and consulting firm.
Section 1
10 Sections
Imagine a world where the promises of globalization — open borders, free trade, and economic interdependence — were once heralded as the path to universal prosperity. Yet today, many feel left behind, stranded on the margins of this new global order. This section explores the harsh reality of winners and losers that has emerged from globalization's advance.
Income inequality has surged, with the richest 1% earning 81 times more than the bottom 50% by 2016, a staggering gap that breeds suspicion and resentment. The economic pain is not abstract; it manifests in communities where factories close, jobs vanish, and futures become uncertain. Against this backdrop, political leaders have found fertile ground by channeling these anxieties into a compelling narrative of 'us versus them,' blaming elites, immigrants, or foreigners for the hardships faced by ordinary citizens.
This division is not merely economic but cultural, as fears about national identity and social cohesion intertwine with economic insecurity. The result is a rising tide of populism that challenges the established political order, promising to restore control to the 'real' people. Yet, these leaders often offer simplistic solutions to complex problems, leveraging division to gain power rather than addressing underlying issues.
As we move forward, understanding this dynamic is crucial. The battle lines have been drawn, but the story is far from over. The next section will delve into the early warning signs of this global upheaval, revealing how protests and unrest signal deeper fractures beneath the surface.
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