Political unrest is a state of dissatisfaction and agitation among the population, often resulting in protests or other forms of civil unrest. It can be triggered by economic, social, or political factors that undermine people’s quality of life and their faith in government leaders. It can be caused by issues like corruption, inequality, and political repression. Other causes can include racial tensions and the spread of misinformation through social media.
In many countries, people are most likely to demonstrate and participate in civil unrest over issues that affect them directly, such as taxes, government actions, or a lack of services. Sometimes political unrest involves violent acts. In other cases, it can be a form of civil disobedience in which citizens intentionally break laws to draw attention to their cause. This can involve blocking roads or refusing to leave public spaces, and it can lead to arrest.
The main source of political unrest is rooted in economic inequality. When a large portion of the population feels left out of the benefits of economic growth and development, they may feel dissatisfied with government policies. In addition, they may view the government as corrupt and inefficient in addressing their needs. This perception can fuel feelings of resentment and marginalization that fuel racial tensions and the rise of identity-based politics, such as the white nationalist movement in the United States and the separatist movements in Catalonia and India.