The connection between wellbeing and political stability isn’t immediately obvious, but new research and thinking on this subject is showing a powerful and very direct correlation which demands our close attention.

Speaking at the Global Wellness Summit in Austria recently, economist Thierry Malleret explained that we are hard-wired to object to unfairness and that our increasingly unjust world is giving rise to dictators, extreme political movements and civil unrest.

He said wellbeing strategies by governments around the world are essential to counteract this trend and also to offset the many factors which are causing ‘unwellness’, such as pollution, overconsumption of toxic social media content, unwell ageing, obesity, and diabetes.

The impact of happiness and wellbeing on geopolitical stability was also explored by keynote, Jan-Emmanuel De Neve, professor of economics at Oxford University.

He led with a quote from Ben Bernanke, economist at the Brookings Institution, who served as chair of the Federal Reserve: “The ultimate purpose of economics is to understand and promote the enhancement of wellbeing.” De Neve said there’s a clear correlation between happiness, wellbeing and economic success – and in turn, an impact on political stability and social cohesion. He cited Greece as an example, saying wellbeing in Greece was at its lowest level on record following the country’s economic collapse.

Research has found happiness is fragile – more easily destroyed than created – and people are twice as sensitive to loss of economic status as they are to its gain.

He showed a direct correlation between happiness and wealth – happier people have happier lives and this creates opportunity. People who are happiest at age 16, 18 and 22 will earn US$3,000 more a year than average by age 30.

However, he said “today’s adolescents are falling behind in terms of both wellbeing and mental wellness” and as a result will earn up to US$10,000 less than average in adulthood.

The deteriorating situation young people face in terms of their happiness, wellbeing and opportunity is a cause of huge concern. We’re building a world in which they’re more likely to fail and less likely to achieve their potential.

Essentially we’re building a less happy and less fair future.

With proven solutions available, we must mobilise as an industry and take every step we can to change this situation.

Liz Terry, editorial director @elizterry