Rioting in the UK, a World Rent with Crises

The present tone of imminent apocalypse is appropriate as humanity responds to modern wars, crises and epidemics. Covid, Ukraine, Gaza and Sudan ensures the impact on humanity is immense, some cope many cannot cope.

Rioters aspire to violence by demonising immigrants, they are in dead end jobs, blaming immigrants for their plight, cannot buy property, they are not in family units and are loners. There is no remedy for those left behind through economic failure.

Centrism is proposed as the answer to extremism and polarisation. Centrism is defined as moderation plus heterogeneity. Moderation requires constraint, humility and the recognition that there is no monopoly on truth or compassion, heterogeneity ensures any solution contains many political perspectives. There are two frameworks for the politics of the centre - firstly, the middle point between extremes is the path humanity should follow, secondly, the truth is not the midpoint between extremes. Accepting complexity and rejecting simple solutions with a commitment to equality of opportunity secures results. A global approach is welcome. The rage and might of populism ensures moderation appears weak. Centrist policies range throughout issues such as national security to foreign policy and energy.

Economic issues including the challenges of economic inequality, affordable housing, the availability of goods are central to the purpose of governments, they deserve more attention. An economic approach combines strengths of markets and the state and is foremost associated with a centrist approach to politics. Elections in France and the US question the relationship between societies and democratic politics. The failures of capitalism and a need for a new approach to market oriented economics. Places once prosperous have now fallen behind, how can they catch up? The hidden despair in communities must be addressed. Private and public capital must be raised at the local level. Stronger civil institutions local government, universities must be embedded in communities thus liberating public policies from beliefs that have repeatedly failed.

Income inequalities limit social mobility. The quality of coalitions can consistently implement effective policies. Efforts at grass roots can be highly effective. Building a more inclusive prosperity, where income distribution is is aided by the redistribution of income by interventions ensuring life prospects are more equal. A social democratic approach with a bigger state, properly funded with large tax revenues and powerful regulatory agencies will make a difference.

Overall a diagnosis of discontent ensures advice is available for a better and safer world.

Source:- Irish Times, August 2024