Political unrest is a state of social and political instability characterized by protests, strikes, and violence. Often triggered by economic factors that undermine people’s quality of life and their faith in government, this form of conflict can lead to a breakdown of civil society. Corruption, inequality, and political repression can contribute to unrest.
Political instability is linked to higher levels of poverty and inequality in a country. This cycle of instability and inequality fosters the growth of corruption, which can further destabilise a country by weakening its governance and fuelling discontent among the population. For example, in countries such as Venezuela or Sudan, a prolonged political crisis has contributed to rampant corruption and economic hardship.
The resurgence of identity politics across racial, ideological and ethnic lines is another major driver of political unrest. In the United States, political polarisation has fuelled a renaissance of white nationalist groups and contributed to events like Charlottesville in 2017. And elsewhere in the world, ethnic tensions have sparked civil war in Rwanda, Myanmar and Palestine.
It’s important to understand what causes political unrest and how it affects the wider community. You can stay safe during a period of political unrest by staying clear of areas where demonstrations or clashes may occur. Familiarising yourself with multiple evacuation routes from your home and work is also helpful in case of an emergency. And if you’re in an area that is experiencing unrest, find a safe place to hunker down until the situation calms down.
