US vs. Them

​I truly believe that global politics is a jungle today.

From Brexit in Europe to Donald Trump here in the United States, to extremist political parties all around the world, populism has dominated recent headlines and our 24-hour news cycle culture in the US.  

I often ask myself, what explains the rise of leaders who stoke nationalist violence in their countries, from Le Pen in France to Erdogan in Turkey? I wonder, how long will the populist wave last? Perhaps who will be the winners and losers in today's complex political environment, and how can we protect the values of equality, justice, free commerce, and global cooperation?

In his new book, Us vs. Them,  Ian Bremmer is analyzing the social, economic and technological forces fuelling this new wave of populism. He explains why we're witnessing a dismissal of the democratic, global, cosmopolitan inclinations of the late 20th century. Us vs. Them is a comprehensive guide to navigating the shifting political scene, for all of us looking to endure and survive the populist storm.

Advocates of globalization promised a world of winners, one in which free trade would raise all the world's boats, and extremes of left and right would give way to universally adopted liberal values. 

The past few years have destroyed this illusion, as those who've paid the price for globalism's gains have shifted to populist and nationalist politicians to show rage at the political, media, and corporate elites they truly blame for their losses and misfortunes. 

I suppose, when human beings feel vulnerable and threaten, we identify the danger and look for allies. We use the enemy, real or perceived, to rally friends to our side. I think; Us vs. Them is about how people will define these threats as they fight for survival.  It's about the walls governments will build to protect insiders from outsiders and the state from its people.

I very much enjoyed reading Ian Bremmer's compelling analysis of why global crashed and more critical populism board.  

I hope you enjoy reading it too.