Political unrest is a state of social and political instability characterized by protests, strikes, violence or other public demonstrations. It is triggered by economic and/or political factors that undermine people’s quality of life or their faith in the government.
It’s usually fueled by frustration and hopelessness, particularly among young people who may be receptive to the propaganda of extremist groups seeking to recruit them for violent conflict. Economic inequality also contributes to the likelihood of civil unrest, with a small minority often dominating the economy and accruing wealth in ways that fuels anger among those left behind. Climate change exacerbates these trends, with food shortages and competition for dwindling resources triggering unrest in vulnerable communities.
Corruption and political repression are also drivers of political unrest, with people losing faith in their governments when they see them lining their pockets rather than serving the interests of ordinary citizens. Rapid cultural changes are another source of potential discontent, with traditional communities feeling threatened by the encroachment of Western values and the loss of their own identity.
Early warning signs of a growing threat to stability include increased political tensions, an uneasy atmosphere in the workplace and public places and an increasing number of people sharing their concerns on social media. People can help reduce the likelihood of a future outbreak of political unrest by staying informed, making sure they have access to reliable sources of information and avoiding sensational news reports that can heighten anxiety.