Political unrest is a global phenomenon that can affect nations and communities in a wide range of ways. It is usually triggered by economic inequality, government repression and corruption or other societal injustices. It can escalate into riots, strikes or even revolutions.
The factors that trigger political unrest often interconnect. Climate change, for example, can lead to resource shortages and displaced populations, increasing competition for dwindling resources which in turn can feed identity politics and resentment among communities. Economic inequality, for example, is a key driver of civil unrest because people lose faith in governments that fail to address their needs. Corruption can further detract from government’s legitimacy as it is seen to benefit elite groups rather than the common good.
Civil unrest can also be exacerbated by high levels of political polarisation and the rise in identity-based politics along racial and ideological lines. It can also be exacerbated by a perception that the state is failing to respond to widespread grievances and injustices, including police brutality, or by a lack of transparency about police activity. Several policies can be implemented to mitigate the occurrence of political unrest, including addressing economic inequality and improving public education.
Efforts to improve police training and practice, support for officers under strain and better intelligence sharing about domestic threats could deter political violence. Further, a commitment to fairer policing and accountability for minority communities would signal to agitators that their actions will be punished.
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