In times of political unrest, businesses must remain vigilant and consider how it may impact their pre-emergency planning for events like weather disasters and utility outages. In a world of global conflict and domestic challenges, political instability can quickly overshadow peaceful demonstrations and escalate into violence.
The causes of political unrest vary widely from country to country but a common thread links them: economic inequality. This can fuel a backlash against liberal democracy and democratic capitalism as socially conservative groups feel left behind by globalisation. It can also be exploited by demagogues and nationalists who stoke fears of immigrants, refugees and minorities to gain power and money. Environmental degradation and resource scarcity exacerbates all of these triggers as it undermines people’s quality of life and their faith in government institutions to manage their concerns.
Corruption and political repression are another significant driver of protests. When citizens lose faith in the effectiveness of government institutions to improve their living standards and address their grievances, they are prompted to seek transparency, accountability and democratic reforms. This can lead to a resurgence of movements addressing issues such as racial, gender and economic justice, the environment, peace and labour rights and indigenous and cultural land rights.
Increasing political and socio-economic discontent has been a catalyst for protests across the globe. Whether triggered by rising food and fuel prices, a growing sense of injustice over stalled economic growth, or frustration over corruption and poor governance, the scale and intensity of political unrest has been unprecedented in recent years.