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Why populism prospers

Today's populist leaders, unlike the strong authoritarians of history, maintain political durability by keeping the masses in a state of consensual mediocrity and low self-esteem

Indian economy, worker, labour, population
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Photo: Bloomberg

Rathin Roy
Economic development is about achieving increased prosperity. The first tasks involve overcoming calamities, deprivation, and physical insecurity. As countries progress to middle- and high-income status, they seek to increase prosperity over and above the basic state of animal existence

There are two facets to prosperity. The “how” —the means to secure an existence that is predictable, raise children and secure basic needs; and the “what”— the capabilities we want for our children, enjoyment of cultural, artistic and sporting activities, and the ability to engage fully in the society of ones’ peers.

Thus, there are many levels to prosperity, each of which affords
Disclaimer: These are personal views of the writer. They do not necessarily reflect the opinion of www.business-standard.com or the Business Standard newspaper