Political unrest can be defined as sporadic but continued collective physical violence in the context of social or political instability, often resulting in deaths, injuries and property damage. It encompasses a broad spectrum of violent and non-violent activities, including protests, strikes and riots, which may be organised or spontaneous in nature. It differs from war or civil conflict, which have specific definitions in international law and are typically accompanied by state action.
The most common drivers of political unrest include:
Economic inequality: The widening gap between rich and poor is a major cause of civil instability, especially when it leads to feelings of injustice or discontent. Economic inequality can result from high unemployment, poor education, and a lack of economic opportunity. Moreover, it can exacerbate feelings of exclusion when people feel that their needs are not being met by their government.
Corruption: When politicians or other government officials are seen to be abusing their power for personal gain, they can lose the public’s trust and fuel civil unrest. Corruption can also exacerbate feelings of alienation when it is driven by identity politics, such as in cases of discrimination against minority groups or when long-standing grievances resurface and are exploited by demagogues and nationalists.
Climate change and environmental degradation: The impact of climate change on communities’ ability to survive aggravates all the other causes of political unrest. It leads to food shortages and competition for scarce resources, and can increase societal insecurity.