The civility crunch

Much has been made recently of the correlation between economic difficulties and a rise in crime. This discussion is important and it is too early to reach any conclusions as to its validity.

Yet there is an equally important correlation that is borne out by history and must be avoided at all costs. This correlation is between economic difficulties and cultural tribalism. We saw it most forcefully across Europe in the 1930s. As economic prosperity drifted out on the tide, anti-minority sentiment drifted in.

The consequences were that three of Europe’s biggest democracies fell to fascism within a very short period of time and inclusiveness was taken firmly off the agenda. In addition these countries did not benefit from the economic renaissance which they were promised.

Europe is not checking into the same hotel again………………………………yet.

But there are early warning signs:

—In last month’s federal elections in Austria, the Far Right parties gained 29% of the national vote. They may not be in government but their polling figures should concern us all.

—In Italy, with attacks mounting on minorities, both by the public and the Berlusconi government (who amongst other policy announcements has proposed fingerprinting the children of Roma gypsies) the whiff of intolerance is in the air.

The disfigurement of the face of the global economy will not be cured by cutting our nose off. Those mainstream parties across Europe must take preventive action now or risk the consequences.