Political unrest is a broad term that encompasses activities including protests and riots. The word has a wide range of meanings, although it is often used to refer to sporadic but prolonged collective physical violence between civilians (Kalyvas 2000). Unrest may also be associated with economic issues that have a significant impact on citizens. The underlying drivers of political unrest tend to be enduring, and protests can often come in waves.
The presence of corrupt and unaccountable institutions can diminish the legitimacy of government systems and lead citizens to seek new avenues for expression. These often take the form of protests or civil disobedience. Movements that seek social and racial justice, for example, usually have peaceful aims but can turn violent when the state appears to repress rather than reform.
Rapid economic and cultural change can generate resentment in societies that feel left behind, fuelling the rise of demagogues and nationalists. In addition, climate change is the fastest-growing cause of political unrest, and groups such as Extinction Rebellion and Just Stop Oil are organising widespread protests worldwide.
The most effective way to prevent and mitigate political unrest is by addressing the root causes of the problem, such as poverty and inequality. Education is an important tool in this regard as it enables people in difficult circumstances to develop skills and knowledge that they can apply in the future. In addition, promoting economic growth and reducing unemployment will help to reduce feelings of discontent that are a key driver of unrest.
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