Political unrest is a group of violent or nonviolent social actions such as protests, demonstrations, strikes, and other forms of organized collective action that are characterized by political motives and aim to bring about change in society or the economy. Political unrest is a broad term and there are many ways it can be defined, but most commonly it refers to limited political violence (such as acts of terrorism or individual assassinations), sporadic violent collective action such as riots or demonstrations, and other forms of nonviolent political activism such as blockades.
Several factors contribute to the risk of political unrest, including economic issues (such as rising fuel and food prices or reforms reducing or eliminating entitlement benefits), high levels of corruption or social injustice (including claims of stolen elections), and cultural tensions exploited by demagogues or nationalists for gain. Climate change, with its associated resource scarcity and environmental degradation, exacerbates all these risks.
Unrest is a threat to the public and can lead to injuries and damage to property, as well as a cycle of violence that can last for years and destabilize the country. It can also impose severe economic costs by affecting consumer confidence, slowing the pace of recovery, and creating a drag on growth as companies divert resources to contain disruptions. It’s important for organizations to proactively prepare for the possibility of civil unrest, and communication tools like Regroup can help ensure key stakeholders stay informed and safe.