Global Scans · Inequality & Social Polarisation · Weekly Summary

• [New] Violent populism - a phase of politics characterized by high levels of political violence and broad support for it-now represents a greater risk to American democracy than any competition with another country or any menace by a foreign terrorist group. Foreign Affairs Magazine
• [New] Despite recent setbacks in the polls in the Netherlands and France, it is doubtful that populism will be going away. CEPR
• [New] While Modi's populism has been electorally successful, it poses risks to India's pluralistic democracy. Populist Policy
• [New] At a time when national unity is more important than ever - whether in the face of economic challenges, national security threats, or international geopolitical tensions-identity politics undermines efforts to build a cohesive, united America. Republican Digest
• [New] Europe will have to contend with a German government in transition, a French government in crisis and rising populism. Clean Energy Wire
• [New] In the context of unequal economic development and unequal economic power, the US tariff policy will further widen the wealth gap between countries, and less developed countries will suffer a greater impact. IOL
• With inequality at high levels (e.g., in the U.S., the top 1% own a sizable share of total wealth), not taxing large inter-generational transfers is a missed opportunity to address the wealth gap. Faisal Khan
• Economic slowdown risks social unrest, but Beijing's pivot to domestic markets and state subsidies mitigates some pressures. Tekedia
• Countries heavily reliant on food imports, particularly in Africa and Western Asia, will face severe balance of payments issues and increased social unrest as food becomes unaffordable. The Chronicle-Journal
• Geopolitical instability and social unrest are driving a new wave of public safety threats. Annex North
• The national security risks associated with antisemitic incidents and social unrest have prompted the Trump administration to review the visa process for international students and implement a travel ban affecting 12 mostly African and Middle Eastern countries. KFOX
• PAULINA MILEWSKA fears that Poland may now become part of a growing transatlantic axis of right-wing populism, ultimately playing into Russia's strategy of dividing Europe. Verfassungsblog
• Britain has the potential to be the last bastion of liberal values against a rising tide of populism sweeping across the US and continental Europe. British Future
• Social cohesion challenges: Singapore's multiethnic, multicultural society could be vulnerable to identity-based politics that have fueled populism elsewhere. Maxthon | Privacy Private Browser
• Without significant reforms to address income inequality, housing affordability, and systemic corruption, Iran risks further entrenching class divisions and destabilizing its social fabric. Iran news update
• The intersection of nationalism and identity politics will continue to influence Indian elections and broader state-building processes. Times of India
• While income inequality between individuals declined in recent decades, largely due to economic development in China, there had been a major increase in inherited wealth, with $70 trillion expected to be handed down to heirs in the coming 10 years. Yahoo Finance Singapore
• The U.S. has seen the sharpest rise in risk, which is related to growing institutional fragility and a rise in populism. Coface
• If Chinese income per capita growth continues to outgrow the global average, China could buoy rather than depress income inequality, causing the global measure to rise. UNU WIDER
• As the global economy becomes more knowledge-driven, the gap in education and skills will likely play an even more prominent role in shaping income inequality. TechBullion
• AI is now being used to analyze satellite imagery to assess port congestion, monitor global agricultural yields to predict food shortages, and even track social unrest in key manufacturing regions. Sensos

Last updated: 13 December 2025