The Politics of Economic Insecurity in the COVID-19 Era

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, widespread economic insecurity was linked to rising distrust and popular discontent, undermining governance and ultimately sustainable development. The current crisis has reminded us of the extent of insecurity embedded in today’s societies and, without concerted effort, could exacerbate societal and political instability. Investing in truly universal public services, including social protection, that confront today’s risks is a crucial policy priority to ensure economic security, rebuild trust and recover progress towards the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.