Political unrest is a societal phenomenon that can be caused by economic instability, corruption, or political repression. Oftentimes, this unrest can lead to the overthrow of a government through either peaceful or violent means. This instability can affect local communities and the economies of countries worldwide.
The underlying cause of political unrest is a sense of inequality among a population. As a result of this feeling, protests and strikes are not necessarily focused on specific policy actions or governmental authorities. For example, the 2020 protests in Lebanon were sparked by plans to increase subway fares but ultimately centered around the broader issue of economic inequality in the country. High unemployment rates, stagnant wages, and meager pensions leave a majority of the population impoverished despite increasing wealth for the elite class.
As such, these disillusioned citizens feel alienated and become receptive to messages of hatred and extremism. These movements can lead to polarization and the use of violence by both the elite and those who are disillusioned with politics.
These events can be devastating to the economy and the social fabric of a nation. For instance, it has been shown that children raised in communities with frequent societal tension or violent conflict have lower academic achievement and are more likely to experience psychological distress. Therefore, addressing the root causes of political unrest is crucial to a society’s overall well-being and can be achieved by implementing policies that promote economic growth, reduce poverty, and provide equal opportunities for all citizens.