Revolution around the corner? With the groundswell of discontent increasing around the world about all manner of things could there be a repeat of the 1848 European revolutions?
In as much as the question mentions Europe, the answer would be no.
The poorest Europeans today are far better off than European Royalty in the 18th Century. No one is starving, in spite of previous comments, and it is not the "rich" that are holding people back but rather regulation and bureaucracy that stifle economic growth and thus mutes job creation and opportunity. Some nations, France and in Scandinavia for example, are actually scaling back taxes and regulations in order to spur GDP growth.
As for the rest of the world, read Pinker and Ridley. Worldwide the poverty rate is lower, people are wealthier, more healthy, and better fed than ever before in history. General statistics do not preclude violent uprisings among those left behind but they are an indication of improving conditions in the face of doomsayers. Violence in general, by the way, tends to set a people back, not advance them.
Agreed. There is currently not an imperative to change the status quo. Perhaps as resources diminish the emphasis may shift.
As long as the middle class and the rich remain indifferent to the suffering of the working class and the poor the likelihood for unrest increases.
When you are starving and living like an animal there is nothing to lose.
Or even the 1914 revolutions in Europe which were also preceded by racism, nationalism, authoritarianism, and increasing wealth disparity.....
plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose
Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.
Yes I see the similarities also. What we are experiencing now is very similar to the pre 1914-1918 war era.