Political unrest refers to periods of turbulence or conflict that result in societal changes and can often trigger violence. Unrest can be caused by a wide range of factors, including lack of representation in the government, corruption, and economic instability. Unrest can also arise from a feeling of injustice or resentment among people with limited opportunities or resources, leading them to demand equality and better living standards.
It is hard to define and quantify, as it encompasses a broad set of activities that may be violent or non-violent. Braha defines it as a ‘form of collective human dynamics that has led to major transitions of societies in modern history,’ while Oncevay and colleagues (2020) consider it ‘public manifestations of people for different causes.’ Other definitions include civil disorder and acts of mass civil disobedience, and both can be both peaceful and violent.
A recent body of IMF research shows that social unrest has many costs, both immediate and long-term. For example, it can lead to a loss of foreign investment and job losses, as well as a drop in the value of a country’s currency. This can exacerbate an already severe economic crisis, as it can make it harder for citizens to afford basic needs and services.
While the number of protests has dropped in some advanced economies where such events are usually rare, they continue to rise in many emerging and developing countries. This can be linked to rising costs of utility and other essential services, and the perceived inability of government officials to address the issue. It can also be caused by political oppression, which leads to feelings of injustice and resentment among disadvantaged groups.