Chapter 8: Rich Above, Poor Below? Development and Inequality In International Relations

Conclusion

Poverty and global inequality are daunting challenges that demand our attention, not just because they reflect profound injustices but because they shape the world we all live in. From absolute poverty that denies basic survival needs to the cycles of inequality that trap entire generations, these issues are both deeply personal and undeniably political. Tools like the Gini coefficient or concepts like social mobility help us understand the complexity of these challenges, while the film Elysium provides a dramatic, if exaggerated, warning about what happens when inequality is left unchecked. But here’s the good news: the future doesn’t have to look like Earth in Elysium. With systemic reforms, equitable policies, and a commitment to justice, we can begin to close these gaps and create a more inclusive world. After all, if we can envision a future with space stations and miracle medical pods, surely we can imagine one where billionaires don’t need a whole planet to themselves.