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Inequality and Implications on Security - Dr. Miemie Winn Byrd
Recently, researchers from Harvard and Columbia University conducted a study measuring income inequality and socio-political instability in 70 countries for the period 1960-1985. They found a positive correlation -- as income inequality increases, socio-political instability escalates. This finding further supports the earlier findings by Ted Gurr of linkages between relative deprivation, frustration, and aggression. Gurr discovered that relative deprivation -- not absolute poverty -- leads to grievances and frustration. And the empirical support behind the “frustration-aggression” theory has shown that all humans are biologically coded to respond aggressively towards the culprit when frustrated. Therefore, it is almost foreseeable that movements like Al Qaeda and ISIS were able to tap into this primal need within Muslim communities around the globe by exploiting the perception of marginalization and inequality within societies. Likewise, many separatist movements, insurgencies, armed conflicts, terrorist groups, and violent clashes around the globe have been fueled by similar patterns of recruiting and mobilizing followers. This podcast will explore the contributing factors behind the current trend of rising inequality and its implications on security in the Asia-Pacific region.
Audio:
Inequality and Implications on Security - Audio (34:19)
Video:
Inequality and Implications on Security - Video (34:53)
The views expressed in this podcast are those of the presenter and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Daniel K. Inouye Asia Pacific Center for Security Studies, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. Government.
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