The Economics of Belonging

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This proposal outlines a short book addressing the current state of society amid a populist insurgency across the Atlantic and Europe. This movement has deep roots in decades of economic and cultural mismanagement, leaving many feeling disenfranchised and disconnected from their communities. Anti-liberal populists exploit this sentiment, asserting that national leaders no longer represent the interests of the people, as seen in slogans like "putting America first" and "taking back control" from the Brexiteers. In less democratic regimes, populists promise security and order in exchange for democratic freedoms, preying on insecurities in a rapidly changing world. With liberal openness under threat, it is crucial for electorates, politicians, and policymakers to demonstrate how an open and liberal economic system can be inclusive. The author identifies four key economic policy areas to tackle the root causes of inequality affecting the young and vulnerable: productivity, regional development, access to business finance for SMEs, and worker representation. Additional recommendations include housing, universal education, basic income, and taxation reforms. The author argues that while these proposals may seem radical, they are essential for fostering a sense of belonging and preventing the rise of illiberal and undemocratic radicalism.