The Intelligence from The Economist Uprising tide: the coming inflation-driven unrest
Jun 29, 2022
Robert Guest, Foreign editor at The Economist, dives into the rising tide of global inflation and its potential to spark social unrest. He discusses how surging fuel and food prices have fueled anger in countries like Sri Lanka and Tunisia. The podcast highlights the link between economic struggles and protests, while also taking a detour into China’s intelligence shortcomings amid geopolitical tensions. Plus, an intriguing take on America's lifeguard shortage reveals how pandemic disruptions are endangering summer water safety.
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Volatile Mood in Tunisia
- In Tunisia, high youth unemployment and dependence on imported goods worsen the impact of inflation.
- Ali Tupac expresses anger towards the government and carries a knife due to volatile conditions.
Predicting Unrest
- The Economist's model predicts a doubling of unrest in many countries due to rising food and fuel prices.
- Past unrest is a strong predictor of future unrest, especially in places like Tunisia.
Government Response
- Governments should acknowledge the problem and listen to people's concerns.
- International financial institutions should be generous with aid while maintaining firm conditions and monitoring spending.