The Future of Capitalism Will Not Be Common (for All Countries)

A global food crisis is inevitable and that it is very likely, almost certain, to bring about major political and economic changes around the world. The large existing differences in wealth and in the way of governance of the various countries are sure to determine the way to deal with the crisis. The availability of arable land, the density and composition of population, political organizations and the role of the State are factors that will determine the future of each country. Countries with democratic traditions are likely to perceive the need for drastic changes in the systems of social welfare, taxation and public investment and to avoid dramatic developments. In these countries, it is possible to impose important changes of a social democratic type with taxation on property and benefits to the weaker groups of the population. On the contrary, in countries with authoritarian regimes developments can lead either to harsh dictatorships or to uprisings and revolutions with unpredictable results.