Why people revolt against the world today
Globalisation has lifted hundreds of millions of people out of poverty, contributed to the spread of education and health care, and helped reduce conflicts between states to an all-time low. This is all great news. So why are people rebelling against it?
Because it also leads to exploitation, damages communities, destroys ecosystems and has facilitated the spread of pandemics. People around the world feel their way of life, identity and culture threatened and are losing trust in institutions. Most of us are worried about the future. Populist politicians benefit from this, charlatans railing against science, nationalists, religious fundamentalists, the creators of fake news on social media, totalitarian ideologues or conspiracy theorists. The post-war age of responsibility accompanied by stability and the promise of prosperity is over. So what is in store for us?
Leading Israeli journalist Nadav Eyal describes the anti-globalisation revolt through the stories of specific people. He talks to anarchists, neo-Nazis, environmentalists, refugees, desperate out-of-work miners and a politician from the sinking Maldives. It searches for roots and consequences, analyses, does not judge. He concludes that we have a unique opportunity to harness the energy of revolt for needed reforms. The revolt against globalisation is not only a threat, but also a great opportunity. Now it's up to us.
