Democracy Dies in Darkness

U.N. warns that runaway inequality is destabilizing the world’s democracies

The report is unusually clear-eyed in acknowledging that the distribution of wealth and power is a zero-sum game

The 400 richest Americans have significantly more money than the 150 million Americans in the bottom 60 percent of wealth distribution. A United Nations report has found pronounced inequality erodes trust in democratic societies. (NosUA/iStock)

Runaway inequality is eroding trust in democratic societies and paving the way for authoritarian and nativist regimes to take root, according to a dire new report from the United Nations.

The findings note that solutions — including robust social safety nets, an active redistribution of wealth and the protection of workers rights — “have been recommended for decades” and are well within the capacity of the world’s wealthy nations.

Already have an account?

Two ways to read this article:

Create an account
Free
  • Access this article
Enter email address
By selecting "Start reading," you agree to The Washington Post's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Subscribe
$4 USDevery 4 weeks for the first year
  • Unlimited access to all articles
  • 24/7 live news updates