Fear of the Future

In: World policy journal: WPJ ; a publication of the World Policy Institute, Band 32, Heft 1

Abstract

Here, with the world gripped by fear of the unknown--the next tragedy, the next crisis, the next terrorist attack, financial or societal meltdown--a panel of global experts, including Antoine Levy and Alaa Mohamed, weigh in their thoughts on what their greatest fear is for the future of their nations. Levy says France is afraid of decline, and the specter of their own demise has brought about countless predictions of the country's suicide. A sense of the looming twilight of a once great nation lingers in their hearts and minds. It discourages individual projects and collective ambitions, and fosters distrust and anger. Meanwhile, Mohamed says despite rising optimism for the economic future of Egypt, there remain some important warning signs for policymakers, particularly the youth bulge. In 2012, 25% of Egypt's population was aged 18 to 29. Half live in poverty, with unemployment reaching 25%. They represent an enormous unused and untapped potential. Adapted from the source document.