Political unrest occurs when large groups of people disrupt daily life to express anger and frustration with government actions, laws or social problems. It can range from peaceful protests to violent riots.
It is triggered by economic factors that undermine people’s quality of life and faith in the government and is exacerbated by corruption, inequality and political repression. It can cause a lack of trust in the government and lead to high levels of poverty and unemployment. It can also lead to international isolation, as other nations impose trade restrictions on the country for fear of instability or the risk of war.
While movements advocating for racial justice have the majority of their members with peaceful aims, they can still be significant focal points of civil unrest. These movements may cite specific grievances such as racial injustice or police violence or broader issues such as climate change, poverty and economic disparities.
The most significant driver of civil unrest is severe inequality. When the wealthy elite monopolize a nation’s resources and wealth, it creates discontent among the poorest citizens who feel that they are being unfairly excluded from the benefits of society. This is especially true if those in power use their position to steal from the public treasury and if the government’s programs don’t deliver on their promises. Ted Robert Gurr’s theory of relative deprivation explains that the gap between people’s value expectations and their capability to get what they want often leads them to rebel against their authorities.