Peter Turchin's theory of Elite Overproduction describes a society which produces too many potential elite-members (based on education) to readily absorb them into the structure of power. When this happens, revolution ensues.

Turchin predicted the rise of populism in the US and Europe in 2010, and is predicting the next decade will be the 'Turbulent Twenties'

Whilst I agree that elite overproduction may occur, I don't believe it is the 'real driver' of social unrest in the west.

There is no one driver of social unrest, however in the instances referred to by Turchin I argue that the cause would not be elite overproduction itself causing social unrest but the myth of meritocracy.

It is more likely fueled by the disappointment and later, anger, which ensued at the realisation that the promise that a university degree costing tens of thousands of dollars and a good hard working ethic is all you need to succeed was a lie, rather than being fuelled by simply feeling left out and aggrieved that they are not a part of the elite.

Not everyone who get an education do so with the aim of becoming a part of the elite ruling class, but simply want to earn a decent living in an industry that they enjoy, or want to gain more knowledge and experience in a particular sector. Hence they would not be aggrieved by not becoming part of the elite, but may be by not being able to find work in their field after graduating.

The amount of elites ignoring and perpetuating the world's problems can be seen as a cause of social unrest all around the world.

• We are too exposed to the elites. Through social media and the media in general, we have an awareness of the elites unlike anything that our predecessors experienced. From billionaires, to celebrities and now, influencers, we are constantly aware of their existence.
• Noticing their existence and trying to strive for what they have even though it is not ethically achievable can be a cause of social unrest.
• Furthermore, the fact that these elites exist and have the financial means to solve many of the world’s problems (hunger, climate change, poverty), but ignore them and actively cause these problems makes working populations angry and can cause social unrest.
• In the UK, the unemployment rate for recent graduates is 6.3%. Knowing that there are elites who control the way the market works but also reinforce the non-meritocratic nature of our society can cause unrest. This may be in the form of protests supporting different social justice causes like the BLM movement, Free Palestine, LGBTQ rights and many more. This can also lead to boycotts.