Today, Explained Why is the world protesting?
Oct 30, 2019
Max Fisher, co-author of the Interpreter column at the New York Times, dives into the surge of global protests spurred by grievances like a WhatsApp tax and rising transit fares. He examines Lebanon's unrest, revealing how systemic corruption fuels citizen discontent. Fisher also discusses the Chilean protests, highlighting the disconnect between economic growth and social equity. The conversation explores the effectiveness of protests worldwide, noting the challenges faced as expectations rise and trust in political systems wanes.
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Global Protests: A Deeper Look
- Protests globally appear diverse, citing various reasons like taxes or corruption.
- Underlying these surface issues is a growing trend of anti-government sentiment and the belief in protests as a powerful tool.
Lebanon's Protests
- Lebanon's protests were triggered by a WhatsApp tax and a prime minister's payment to a South African model.
- These events exposed deeper public anger towards corruption and an unresponsive political system.
Chile's Protests: Deeper Than Transit Fares
- Chile's protests, like Lebanon's, began with a seemingly small issue: a transit fare hike.
- This sparked broader frustration over economic inequality and the government's perceived disregard for the public's future.