Worsening economic inequality in recent years is largely the result of policy choices that reflect the political influence and lobbying power of the rich.
Columns & Interviews
The future of Europe: rebalancing ecology, economics and ethics
Europe needs a new eco-social paradigm if it is to ward off the populist sirens and offer a positive vision for the continent.
The EU needs a ‘Social Imbalances Procedure’
The focus of the European Union on fiscal consolidation has left European societies out of kilter and undermined the union’s legitimacy. A Social Imbalances Procedure could begin to put that right.
A defeat for the populist right isn’t always a win for the social-democratic left
The populist right and the social-democratic left may contest for the support of the popular classes but, Sheri Berman argues, it’s not a simple zero-sum game.
Austria’s smoking gun: Strache, ‘Ibiza-gate’ and ‘Saint’ Sebastian
Even such huge scandals, which lead to the dissolution of a government, resignation of a vice-chancellor and the disclosure of massive corruption, might conclude with more of the same.
Europeanisation from below: still time for another Europe?
In the latest contribution to our ‘Europe2025’ series, Donatella della Porta argues that it has become increasingly difficult for social movements to envision another Europe from below.
Public discourse in the populist age—a trade-union perspective
Winning the battle against the populists means foregrounding and addressing social inequalities, not presuming political liberalism monopolises the alternative.
The challenge ahead: a safer and more dynamic Europe
In the latest in our ‘Europe2025’ series, Gustav Horn focuses on macroeconomic institutional reforms for financial stability and a programme of investment to engender vital public goods.
The EU’s east-west divide
The west’s economic exploitation and moral arrogance are fuelling right-wing populism in east-central Europe.
Turning the tide on violence and harassment at work
The #MeToo movement raised global awareness about the experience of harassment at work—now we have a potentially far-reaching ILO convention to combat the phenomenon.
Blogs
The superiority of codetermination
The United States should learn from the better performance of European companies which have worker representation on boards.
The new Spanish minimum wage
Raising wage floors is one way to reduce inequality and stimulate recovery in Europe. A big uplift in the Spanish minimum wage this year provides a test bed.
Libra: Facebook’s new currency fails the Hayek test
Libra means ‘balance’ in Latin. But Peter Bofinger argues that Facebook’s proposed cryptocurrency would be highly risky for holders and a giant enrichment programme for the company.
Beyond the EU budget zero-sum game
Discussion of the EU budget brings strife between supposed net contributors and beneficiaries. Yet the picture is more complex and Europe-wide taxation offers a way out.
Social imbalances in the EU
Despite the economic recovery of recent years, persistent social imbalances—such as those affecting women and young people—must be taken into account in the debate on Europe’s future.
ICT-enabled flexible working—all plain sailing?
Tech-based flexible working conjures up the independent consultant tapping on her tablet with a latte to hand. But the picture may not be so positive.
