The Intelligence from The Economist Back to the furore: protests set to reignite
May 11, 2020
Greg Karlstrom, a Middle East correspondent based in Beirut, and Joel Budd, the social policy editor focusing on urban environments, delve into Lebanon's recent protests fueled by worsening economic conditions. They also discuss how historical epidemics have influenced urban design, pondering how COVID-19 will impact future city planning. Additionally, they highlight the challenges faced by Corona beer in redefining its brand identity amidst the pandemic's stigma. The conversation weaves together activism, architecture, and brand resilience.
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Protests Reigniting
- The COVID-19 pandemic temporarily suppressed global protests, particularly in the Middle East.
- However, the underlying economic grievances remain, and protests are likely to reemerge.
Lebanon's Economic Crisis
- Lebanon's economic crisis, triggered by a failing financial sector and collapsing currency, predates the pandemic.
- This crisis worsened with the lockdown, causing inflation and business closures.
Economic Grievances Fueling Unrest
- Economic grievances, not just in Lebanon but also in countries like Iraq and Algeria, are the primary drivers of unrest.
- Low oil prices exacerbate these economic problems, increasing the likelihood of future protests.