Merck Group reposted this
In recent conversations with my family, colleagues, and industry peers in Germany but also across Europe, there has been one recurring topic – we are all witnessing an alarming rise of populism, protectionism, and a decline in solidarity. A recent Global Risk Report 2024 launched by the World Economic Forum highlighted 'societal polarization' as one of the top global risks facing our world. This underscores the urgency to unite, consider the bigger picture, work in support of international collaboration, while respecting and role-modeling our democratic principles. And these shouldn’t be negotiable. My aspiration for an inclusive world starts with upholding our commitment to core European values. Democracy, freedom, equality, and human rights are and must remain the core of our identity. These values are not only the foundation of our society but also provide the fertile ground for innovation, growth, and competitiveness. The key here is to further nurture the power of diversity to build a stronger and more united Europe.
Here's Wikipedia's "definition" of populism, "Populism is a range of political stances that emphasize the idea of "the people" and often juxtapose this group with "the elite". Government by "the people" is often referred to a "democracy", a novel concept popularized in Athens (Greece, not Georgia) some years ago. It has been looked at as a preferable alternative to totalitarianism by almost everyone except the totalitarians. Many totalitarian governments have been overthrown by "the people", sadly now some of the people believe in benign totalitarians........
David Bostwick
7mo
Until relatively recently, Europe has been run by kings, lords, etc., who made war on each other to take more land, and the serfs could submit to the latest boss or die. Even Magna Carta was between royalty and nobles, not commoners. As for democratic values, is it still required to have a permit for a telly? Government always wants more power. Our Constitution tries to curb that movement, but we seem to be too ignorant or lazy to honor it. "Give me bread and circuses, and you can do what you want."
Allow me to suggest that the US was founded with individual states where each could be an independent "laboratory" of "democracy". Some, like the People's Republic of California have had great potential and turned their states into a disaster but other states have been successful with far fewer resources and should be considered a model for their peers. With a national, or in the case of Europe a pan-national government when that government goes down the wrong road, and they always do once they get drunk with power, then everyone suffers for the mistakes of the ruling elite. Sorry, count me out.
Clarah R. M.
7mo
Fully agree and have seen it becoming more important to equip teams with tools on how to navigate potentially polarizing discussions/topics and empower more inclusive leaders.
Jamie Harris
7mo
It is so important for corporate leaders to stand up and speak up for the values of democracy, freedom, equality, free speech and press and individual rights. I hope many others will follow your example, not only in writing and speaking but in actions, such as supporting social organizations and political leaders who truly believe in these values and condemning those who do not and refusing to "accomodate" to authoritarian regimes.
Mike Shifflet
7mo
One of the things that I see that drives populism is a general disrespect for people who perform work. Or now in the case with AI and robotics taking over peoples work leaving them with really low paying jobs. These disgruntled people look towards populism not only as a way to get money / power but to feel some manner of respect.
IGOR S. ILYIN
6mo
Dear Belen: let me express my personal entire admiration for your extremely dedicated, remarkable & targeted wording, which is fully supported & shared by the common people working with MERCK! Positively: hand in hand for the bright future as you have just clearly noted! Yours cordially, Igor S. Ilyin MERCK Agent in Belarus since October 1994 🤗
Geoff Gibas
7mo
Fantastic to see and agree with you that our core European values including Human Rights drive our society. Key as we work to #DepolariseTheNarrative #ReImagineEuropa #ErikaStaelVonHolstein #PhilipKotler #ChristianSarkar #JohannaGapany #DanielFaraci
Dean Nixon
6mo
I would disagree. Populism is a sign of solidarity fighting against the tyranny of the WEF
Do you think, the WEF, a private Organisation, with non elected people and their own Agenda, is the best source?