Lacking confidence in politicians adds to economic challenges: expert
Lacking confidence in political leaders, governments, or even transparent political institutions has recently become one of the challenges facing global economy, a US economic expert said yesterday. The American people, for example, have shifted their attention toward other alternative figures, mostly with no firm political stands, knowledge, or even social skills, after losing confidence in their political leaders and institutions, Professor Douglas Elmendorf, Dean of John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, said while lecturing at Saud Al-Nasser Al-Sabah Diplomatic Institute.
US Republican Presidential nominee Donald Trump truly fits the alternative political standard that a large number of Americans desire for their new leader, including, for instance, his contempt for those with different racial and religious backgrounds, and his opposition to free trade, Elmendorf noted.
This change in people’s opinions and principles in the US has also extended and spelled over to several countries, prompting voters to vote for “wall-erectors” instead of “bridge-builders,” he said, adding that this would negatively impact the economies of those countries.
The US scholar also said that economic issues such as slow economic growth, unemployment rates surge, technological development, and globalization of trade and finance remain as the main challenges that are currently facing the world.
However, such challenges could form a great opportunity for people with high education and skills to grab and succeed in delivering their ideas, visions, and strategies, and, eventually, changing the public opinion, he noted. — KUNA