The Globalization of Protest

A protest movement against corporate power, inequality and governments that do not serve citizens has gone global. From the Arab Spring protests that began in Tunisia to the Occupy Wall Street movement in New York, protesters question if the interests of a few trump the overall common good, explains Joseph E. Stiglitz in an essay for Project Syndicate. Stiglitz notes that “around the world, political influence and anti-competitive practices (often sustained through politics) have been central to the increase in economic inequality.” Protesters rally around the slogan “We are the 99 percent,” questioning the reinforcing cycle of inequality and tightening influence of the wealthy that destabilizes small communities and the global economy. Democratic rights have been over-regulated while banking and finance are under-regulated, Stiglitz concludes. The globalization of protest could portend new awareness and vigilance against abuse of power in many walks of life. – YaleGlobal