Marx famously posited that labour and capital are locked in an antagonist relationship. Although many authoritarian states and populist leaders claim to represent the interests of the working classes, we have not really seen any successful example of a state led by the working classes. This does not, however, mean that there is no way to curb the unfair excesses of capitalism. Some mixed economies have rolled out impressive welfare policies to help secure a decent lifestyle for a majority of their populace. In most other countries, however, the gap between the owners of capital and the labouring masses keeps growing.

The state can play an important role in safeguarding labour. Yet, powerful vested interests readily hijack the state and then use state power to further their own selfish agendas. Trade unions can push back against capitalistic exploitation. However, trade unions too can be repressed, corrupted or subverted, which then undermines their ability to shield workers from abuse.

This year's Global Rights Index,........

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