Global Scans · Inequality & Social Polarisation · Weekly Summary

• [New] Poor choices could push Mexico into economic problems, social unrest, and border friction. LatinAmerican Post
• [New] The New Patriotic Party's economic missteps, marked by spiralling debt, dependency on international bailouts, and short-sighted policies, threaten to anchor Ghana in a quagmire of economic stagnation and social unrest. Myjoyonline
• [New] Continued disinvestment in infrastructure, unequal access to natural capital, and the lack of economic opportunities widen the racial wealth gap, making it exceedingly difficult to survive as a Black person in America. Literary Hub
• [New] The era of violent populism is likely to continue and even worsen, with growing polarization, logjams in decision-making in Washington, and increasing risks of political upheaval. Foreign Affairs Magazine
• [New] From the unresolved war between Russia and Ukraine to an escalated conflict in the Middle East, as well as rising populism in Europe and global trade tensions with China, the energy transition is in a precarious place and 2030 emissions reduction targets are slipping out of hand. Wood Mackenzie
• Reducing the power of the IRS to audit individuals could indirectly increase income inequality. Knowledge@Wharton
• Rising populism seen in Europe as well as in the UK, and progressive counter-movements will demand tailored, bespoke messaging for disparate stakeholder groups. influenceonline.co.uk
• Pakistan's economy is fundamentally tied to its agricultural output, and any disruption can lead to food shortages, increased prices, and social unrest. Breaking News Now
• Trump's influence on global politics, while still controversial, could become a symbol of a broader ideological shift toward nationalism and populism. HALFTIMENEWS
• The Earth is in the grips of ever-growing threats, including climate change, unprecedented biodiversity loss, chemical and plastic pollution, increasing land degradation, wars and conflicts, supply chain crises, and rising waves of political populism. IISD Earth Negotiations Bulletin
• South Africa's central bank chief has warned counterparts in the world's largest economies that their authority to set interest rates independent of political influence was under threat from rightwing populism. Financial Times
• In a country with a housing crisis, a cost-of-living emergency and increasing social unrest over immigration, Israel might sound like a strange focus for an election debate. Spiked
• With nothing left to lose and a legacy of radical populism to permanently entrench in US policymaking, Trump could be more unpredictable and intransigent in his second term. Hindustan Times
• Climate change and environmental degradation: The consequences of climate change and environmental degradation could lead to resource scarcity, mass migration, and social unrest, potentially sparking a global conflict. Military Modelling
• Italexit could lead to a rise in nationalism and populism in Italy and other EU member states. FasterCapital
• Europe could face severe social unrest due to ongoing economic pressures, immigration policies, and political polarization. GeopoliticsUnplugged Substack
• While automation and AI-driven technologies can enhance efficiency, they risk displacing jobs and amplifying social polarization (Rughinis, Rughinis, and Bran, 2024). MDPI
• Similar concerns apply to Cambodia and Laos, where emerging industries may not be able to absorb the sudden cost increase, possibly triggering widespread disruptions and social unrest. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Soc
• Iranian leaders appear concerned about the potential for social unrest. Institute for the Study of War
• Romania's rapid shift to the right offers key insights into the sociopolitical triggers and vulnerabilities that populism exploits, acting as a microcosm for similar patterns across Europe and beyond. Newsy Today
• The potential for a perfect storm of economic, demographic, and social unrest has led some observers to conjecture that China, far from being a rising power, is actually on the verge of collapse. CSBA
• We need to act boldly and ambitiously now, because as income inequality and the cost of housing continue to soar across America, the number of people experiencing housing instability nationwide will only keep getting bigger. Newsweek
• Widening forms of wealth and income inequality are a trigger point for the potential 'fiscal cliff diving' that might be witnessed in 2025. OBSERVER RESEARCH FOUNDATION ( ORF )

Last updated: 11 October 2025