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Curated by Project Syndicate

Unequal at Any Speed?

28 commentaries

The 2008 financial crisis and its aftermath have focused widespread attention on economic inequality – all the more so because the gains from revived growth have accrued almost entirely to the rich. What explains persistent growth in wealth and income disparities, and how should governments, non-governmental organizations, businesses, and local communities respond?

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  1. The Capitalist Threat to Capitalism
    Capitalism Books_deckhand_Flickr deckhand/Flickr

    The Capitalist Threat to Capitalism

    May 23, 2014 Paul Polman & Lynn Forester de Rothschild call on companies and governments to unite in the search for an inclusive and sustainable economy.

  2. Where Is the Inequality Problem?
    WealthyRichHarrods_Chris JL_Flickr Chris JL/Flickr

    Where Is the Inequality Problem?

    May 8, 2014 Kenneth Rogoff says that Thomas Piketty is right about rich countries, but wrong about the world.

  3. The Right’s Piketty Problem

    The Right’s Piketty Problem

    Apr 30, 2014 J. Bradford DeLong is surprised by the poverty of conservative criticism of Capital in the Twenty-First Century.

  4. The Oligarchy Fallacy

    The Oligarchy Fallacy

    Apr 22, 2014 Jeffrey Frankel argues that attacking the ultra-rich is an inefficient way to reduce inequality.

  5. East Africa’s Prosperity Gap
    PovertyAfrica_Gates Foundation_Flickr The Gates Foundation/Flickr

    East Africa’s Prosperity Gap

    Mar 5, 2014 Michael Meyer points out that the region's rapid economic growth is overwhelmingly benefiting the very rich.

  6. From Poverty to Empowerment

    From Poverty to Empowerment

    Mar 3, 2014 Subir Gokarn & Anu Madgavkar propose a broad set of measures to lift Indians' standard of living.

  1. stiglitz331_serggnGetty Images_techregulation serggn/Getty Images

    A Big Defeat for Big Tech

    Joseph E. Stiglitz

    Tech companies know that if there is an open, democratic debate about data security, consumers’ concerns about digital safeguards will win out. And while the industry's lobbyists tried to ensure that no such debate could ever occur, one of their more cynical moves has now been exposed and thwarted.

    details how the industry tried to slip extraordinary protections against regulation into US trade agreements.
  2. zizek27_Giles ClarkeGetty Images_jimmycherizier Giles Clarke/Getty Images

    Haiti’s Proud Boys

    Slavoj Žižek

    If we measure a failed state by the cracks in the edifice of its power, reflected in brewing ideological civil wars, deadlocked assemblies, and increasingly insecure public spaces, we must recognize that the United States is not so unlike Haiti. Both have given rise to violent gangs with political ambitions.

    warns that rich Western democracies are not immune to politically motivated gang violence.
  3. hedegaard11_y Dursun AydemirAnadolu via Getty Images_parliament elections Dursun Aydemir/Anadolu via Getty Images

    Unity Is Europe’s Greatest Asset

    Connie Hedegaard emphasizes the importance of stability amid persistent economic and geopolitical crises.
  4. qian34_PEDRO PARDOAFP via Getty Images_immigration PEDRO PARDO/AFP via Getty Images

    The Truth About US Immigration

    Nancy Qian warns that overheated campaign-season rhetoric is dangerously polarizing and ultimately self-defeating.
  5. mueller51_ David McNewGetty Images_gop trump David McNew/Getty Images

    The Zombification of Political Parties

    Jan-Werner Mueller argues that Donald Trump’s capture of the GOP’s organizational machinery recalls authoritarian tactics elsewhere.
  6. basu100_David Dee DelgadoGetty Images_newyork David Dee Delgado/Getty Images

    The Economic Consequences of Legal Behavior

    Kaushik Basu highlights the potential benefits of emphasizing adherence to the spirit of laws, if not their letter.
  7. brown106_KOLA SULAIMONAFP via Getty Images_nigeriaschool Kola Sulaimon/AFP via Getty Images

    For Nigeria’s Schools, Safety Must Come First

    Gordon Brown writes that the latest mass abduction of students underscores the dilemma facing parents throughout the country.
  8. owoo1_disabled iStock / Getty Images Plus

    Give Women with Disabilities a Chance

    Nkechi S. Owoo explains what is needed to protect and empower one of the world’s most vulnerable demographic groups.
  9. op_mkurz3_Spencer PlattGetty Images_rustbelt Spencer Platt/Getty Images

    How Capitalism Became a Threat to Democracy

    Mordecai Kurz examines the economic policies and market dynamics that have ushered in America's Second Gilded Age.

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