1. Takers Not Makers: The unjust poverty and unearned wealth of colonialism
- Author:
- Anjela Taneja, Anthony Kamande, Chandreyi Gunaray Gomez, Dana Abed, Max Lawson, and Neelanjana Mukhia
- Publication Date:
- 01-2025
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- Oxfam Publishing
- Abstract:
- Billionaire wealth has risen three times faster in 2024 than in 2023. Five trillionaires are now expected within a decade. Meanwhile, crises of economy, climate and conflict mean the number of people living in poverty has barely changed since 1990. Most billionaire wealth is taken, not earned- 60% comes from either inheritance, cronyism, corruption or monopoly power. Our deeply unequal world has a long history of colonial domination which has largely benefited the richest people. The poorest, racialized people, women and marginalized groups have been and continue to be systematically exploited at huge human costs. Today’s world remains colonial in many ways. This must be reversed. Reparations must be made to those who were brutally enslaved and colonised. Our modern-day colonial economic system must be made radically more equal to end poverty. The cost should be borne by the richest people who benefit the most.
- Topic:
- Inequality, Colonialism, Cronyism, Monopoly, Justice, Reparations, and Gender
- Political Geography:
- Global Focus