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# How to ease global inequality: Branko Milanovic interviewed
- URL: https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/branko-milanovic-4263jsp/
- Published: 2007-01-19T00:01:00.000Z
- Updated: 2019-02-14T22:55:07.000Z
- Author: Open democracy
- Tags: #en, #Migrated, #Import 2026-04-09 19:37

The poor of the developing world and the middle classes of the developed world seem unlikely allies. But, according to economist [Branko Milanovic](http://www.carnegieendowment.org/experts/index.cfm?fa=expert%5Fview&expert%5Fid=208&prog=zgp&proj=zted&ref=opendemocracy.net) \- whose main field of interest is the relationship between [globalisation](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Globalization?ref=opendemocracy.net) and inequality - the two groups are the biggest losers as a result of globalisation. Milanovic is a lead economist at the [World Bank](http://www.worldbank.org/?ref=opendemocracy.net) research department and a senior associate at the [Carnegie Endowment for International Peace](http://www.carnegieendowment.org/?ref=opendemocracy.net).

The disparity between rich and poor is greater now, Milanovic says, than at any time in recent history. In fostering dissatisfaction and migration, this inequality can have a critical impact on global stability. Everywhere, a wealthy elite thrive, while the poor and middle classes lose out on globalisation's potential benefits. As people within societies become more dissimilar, says Milanovic, social problems increase until a backlash occurs. Milanovic doesn't necessarily see an apocalyptic vision ahead. But, as he tells [Rachel Rawlins](http://www.globalvoicesonline.org/author/rachel-rawlins/?ref=opendemocracy.net), political decisions are being made in increasingly dissimilar nation-states. What's needed, he argues, is more of a [polity](http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&defl=en&q=define:polity&sa=X&oi=glossary%5Fdefinition&ct=title&ref=opendemocracy.net) at the global level - to address truly global issues such as poverty, inequality and climate change.  
  
**Rachel Rawlins talks to Branko Milanovic**

[**Listen on your computer**](http://www.archive.org/stream/opendemocracy%5Fmilanovic/opendemocracy%5Fmilanovic%5F128kb.m3u?ref=opendemocracy.net) /[**Download to your computer**](http://www.archive.org/download/opendemocracy%5Fmilanovic/opendemocracy%5Fmilanovic%5F64kb%5Fmp3.zip?ref=opendemocracy.net) (9.47mins)