Political unrest is a form of social and political instability caused by protests, strikes, and other forms of civil disobedience. It is often triggered by economic, social, or political factors that undermine people’s quality of life and faith in their government. Those factors may include corruption, inequality, or political repression.
The most common cause of political unrest is the perception that a government is neglecting its citizens’ needs. In particular, when people are unable to afford basic necessities or live comfortably, they become dissatisfied with the economy and its policies. Some of the most common grievances cited by demonstrators include rising utility prices, stagnant wages, and meager pensions.
When people are not able to get the services they need, they lose faith in their government, which can lead to protests and other forms of unrest. Other causes of political unrest are political repression, such as the suppression of freedom of speech and assembly or the passing of laws that restrict citizens’ rights.
Although the risk of unrest is relatively low for now, it is possible that the political climate could change in 2024. For example, as governments lift pandemic restrictions and public concerns about catching COVID in crowds diminish, some of the main disincentives for demonstrations will disappear. In addition, steep price increases for food and fuel can also prompt unrest. Unrest can have a major impact on the economy, as consumers spend less and businesses reduce production to avoid uncertainty.
