In ‘A Brief History of Equality’, the renowned economist challenges the notion of inevitable disparity, drawing from history to advocate for global action against wealth concentration and social injustice
Few contemporary economists have shaped the global discourse on inequality like Thomas Piketty. Since the release of his groundbreaking Capital in the Twenty-First Century in 2014, Piketty has become a household name, sparking debates on wealth concentration, economic justice, and the structural issues underpinning inequality. In A Brief History of Equality, Piketty condenses his extensive body of work into an accessible narrative, offering readers a thoughtful analysis of the historical forces that have shaped inequality and a roadmap for addressing it in the future.
At its core, Piketty’s latest work is both an examination of the past and a call to action. The book makes a bold claim: despite the pervasive inequality we see today, the world has made significant strides toward greater equity over the last few centuries. This is not a rosy depiction of unbroken progress but a measured observation of how revolutions, public policies, and collective movements have challenged entrenched systems of exploitation. In typical Piketty style, he underscores that inequality is not inevitable—it is the result of human choices, and it can be undone through political will and systemic change.
The Legacy of Exploitation
One of the book’s most compelling chapters examines the history of St. Domingue, the French colony that is now Haiti. In the 18th century, St. Domingue was one of the wealthiest colonies in the world, its riches built on the backs of enslaved Africans who toiled in its sugar and coffee plantations. The wealth generated flowed almost entirely to French elites, leaving a legacy of staggering inequality.
But St. Domingue’s story is not merely one of exploitation—it is also one of resistance. The Haitian Revolution, which began in 1791, toppled this brutal system, abolishing slavery and leading to the country’s independence in 1804. Yet Haiti was crippled by the economic indemnity it was forced to pay to France, a burden that entrenched poverty and inequality for generations. Piketty uses this example to show how systems of inequality are perpetuated through political and economic arrangements, leaving lasting scars on societies.
The story of St. Domingue is just one of many historical examples Piketty weaves into his analysis, illustrating how colonialism, imperialism, and capitalism normalized exploitation while concentrating wealth in the hands of a few. His focus on these historical contexts sets the stage for understanding how inequality evolved—and why it persists.
Progress and Backsliding
Piketty’s analysis centers on the transformative period of the mid-20th century, particularly the decades following World War II. This era, he argues, marked a turning point in the fight against inequality. Progressive taxation, wealth redistribution, and public investments in education and healthcare narrowed income gaps and expanded opportunities for many. In countries like France, the United States, and the United Kingdom, these policies created a more equitable society, albeit one with persistent limitations.
But progress was not universal. While Western nations saw gains in equity, regions like sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia were left behind, burdened by the lingering effects of colonialism and the exploitative policies of global powers. Piketty critiques how the post-colonial world was shaped by economic systems that continued to prioritize the interests of wealthy nations at the expense of developing ones.
Fast forward to today, and much of the progress achieved in the mid-20th century has been eroded. The rise of neoliberalism, the deregulation of markets, and the globalization of wealth have reversed many of the gains, leading to what Piketty describes as a resurgence of inequality. In nations like India, this phenomenon is evident in what he calls the “Billionaire Raj”, where a handful of elites control an outsized share of the nation’s wealth. Similarly, in China, rapid economic growth has created stark disparities between urban and rural populations.
The Case for Hope
Despite the challenges, A Brief History of Equality is, at its heart, an optimistic book. Piketty argues that inequality is not an inescapable feature of human society. On the contrary, he points to historical examples where collective action and political will have created fairer systems. From labor movements to anti-colonial struggles, history shows that progress is possible when societies prioritize equity.
Piketty’s proposals for the future are bold and ambitious. He advocates for a global wealth tax, greater investments in education and healthcare, and reparative justice to address historical wrongs. These ideas, while idealistic, offer a vision of what a more equitable world could look like. Crucially, Piketty emphasizes that these changes require global solidarity and a commitment to democratizing economic systems.
Strengths and Shortcomings
For readers unfamiliar with Piketty’s earlier work, A Brief History of Equality serves as an excellent introduction. It distills his key ideas into a concise and readable format, blending historical anecdotes with contemporary analysis. The inclusion of stories like St. Domingue adds depth to the narrative, connecting past injustices to present-day inequalities.
However, for those who have read Capital in the Twenty-First Century or Capital and Ideology, this book may feel like a retread of familiar territory. While its brevity makes it accessible, it also means that some of the analysis is less detailed than in Piketty’s previous works. Additionally, some of his proposals—such as a global wealth tax—may seem overly idealistic in today’s political climate. The book also offers a few concrete strategies for overcoming the institutional barriers that hinder such policies.
A Call to Action
At a time when inequality continues to shape the global economy, A Brief History of Equality is a timely and necessary contribution to the conversation. Piketty reminds us that progress is not a given—it is the result of hard-fought battles and deliberate choices. By examining the history of inequality and the systems that sustain it, he challenges readers to imagine a fairer future and to work toward it.
Ultimately, Piketty’s latest work is a call to action for policymakers, activists, and citizens alike. It reminds us that while the fight against inequality is far from over, it is not unwinnable. Progress may be slow, but as history shows, it is possible.
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Uzair Qadri
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