The Great Social Divide examines one of the defining questions of our time: why have unprecedented economic growth and global prosperity coincided with rising inequality, political polarisation, and declining trust in democracy? Challenging the assumption that free markets and democratic governance naturally reinforce one another, this book explores how decades of neoliberal reforms have reshaped economies, societies, and political institutions. Combining rigorous research with accessible analysis, the manuscript reveals the structural tensions between market-driven policies and democratic ideals, explaining how wealth concentration, social fragmentation, and political influence have become increasingly intertwined.

Timely and thought-provoking, The Great Social Divide offers scholars, policymakers, students, and engaged readers a compelling framework for understanding the crises facing contemporary democracies—and asks whether democracy can be renewed, or whether a fundamentally new economic and political settlement is required for the twenty-first century.

Ruth Pasquier is an economist, researcher, author, and Fellow of the EuroMed Academy of Business. She has over three decades of experience in research, teaching, and executive education, having taught economics and international business in Switzerland, Ireland, and Spain. Her research has been recognised by international organisations, including UNCTAD and the World Bank. She is the recipient of the Emerald Literati Award for Excellence and the EuroMed Academy of Business Best Contributor Award. Her research examines the relationship between democracy, inequality, and neoliberalism, with a particular focus on the institutional forces shaping contemporary societies.