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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Meher's Anger in Tunisia
- In Tunisia, Meher struggles with inflation, impacting his ability to afford a house and get married.
- His anger is constant, highlighting the widespread frustration caused by rising prices.
Turkish People's Struggles
- In Turkey, a housewife's husband's pension is eroded by inflation, forcing him back to work.
- Cilhan Dohan, a market stall worker, believes changing the government is the only solution to rising prices.
Government Blame and Policies
- Turkey's President Erdogan's policy of lowering interest rates exacerbates inflation.
- In other countries, people blame their governments for rising prices due to the war in Ukraine.