In the most serious cases, political unrest can lead to violence or even state collapse. This can happen slowly over a long period of time or rapidly with momentum that causes instability and upheaval. Several factors can contribute to this, including rising polarisation and populism within political systems; waves of activism and protest movements; or economic dissatisfaction with governmental policies. These factors vary across countries, and are further shaped by the government’s capacity to manage public expectations and by its ideology and prior history with mobilisation.
A lack of jobs, inadequacies in social services, and increasing costs for utilities can lead to economic dissatisfaction that fuels protests or strikes. The root of this discontent is often an underlying belief that people are being treated unfairly. This can take the form of a perceived discrepancy between what people feel they deserve versus what they are capable of getting, as described by Ted Gurr in his book Why Men Rebel. This discontent is reinforced by misinformation and conspiracies that are circulated on social media platforms.
Travellers should avoid areas that are known to host demonstrations or clashes. It is also helpful to familiarise yourself with the culture, history and possible sources of tension and instability in your destination before departure. Check International SOS’s destination guides, available in the Assistance App and member portal; Amnesty International’s country reports on human rights abuses and the State Department’s country assessments to see if there are any specific issues that could potentially affect travellers.
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