Summarised by Centrist
Diane Coyle discusses the growing distrust of experts, particularly those in positions of power, as a key factor contributing to the rise of populism in the Western world.. A besieged middle-class seeking someone to blame found the technocratic elite a convenient scapegoat.
Coyle says it hasn’t helped that independent expertise has sometimes failed to prevent or has even exacerbated crises. One of her examples points to the handling of the COVID pandemic.
“Better communication is essential, starting with what is often called ‘communicating with the ears’ – that is, experts genuinely listening to people instead of lecturing them,” she says.
