Political unrest is social instability resulting in mass protests or violence, which threaten people’s safety and faith in their government. It is often triggered by economic factors that undermine their quality of life or make them lose hope in the future, and it can lead to civil war. The causes of political unrest vary from one country to the next, but the main triggers include corruption, inequality and authoritarianism.
Corruption is a major cause of political unrest because it can undermine the public’s trust in government institutions. It can also prompt citizens to demand transparency and accountability from government institutions. People who lose faith in their government are more likely to join movements that call for democracy and reforms, which can then escalate into political violence.
Widespread poverty is another cause of political unrest because it can undermine a nation’s economic stability. It can also prompt people to become disenfranchised with established political parties and opt for alternative, more radical political options. This trend has been seen in the United States, with a rise in far-right libertarian leaders, and in Latin America, where citizens have lost faith in centrist or left-leaning governments.
Rapid economic and cultural change can also lead to political unrest, as socially conservative groups feel left behind by globalisation and loss of identity. Often, these tensions are exploited by demagogues and nationalists seeking money and power through scapegoating. Meanwhile, environmental degradation and resource scarcity exacerbate all other causes of unrest and may be an increasing trigger for political violence as climate change progresses faster than anticipated.