Political unrest refers to the dissatisfaction and agitation among citizens with regard to government actions or policies. It can lead to protests, strikes, or even revolutions, significantly affecting the dynamics of a community or nation.
Generally, it is triggered by the feeling of being a victim of injustice and that the government is ignoring their needs. There are many factors that contribute to the rise of political unrest, ranging from economic inequality to corruption.
Riots are one of the most common forms of political unrest. According to the frustration-aggression model theory, riots are typically the result of people feeling frustrated with a certain aspect of their life and decide to take it out on others. They may also be a response to perceived threats to social order, such as religious extremism or terrorism.
Other causes of political unrest include the use of violence against a group by another individual or group, or the use of force by a state against a civilian population. It can also occur in the form of a civil war, which is a conflict between organized groups within a state or country.
While it is impossible to completely eradicate political unrest, there are steps that can be taken to minimize the impact on society and business. These include reviewing work practices if protests are expected and asking staff to avoid areas where there might be crime or disruption, considering rescheduling meetings to virtual locations and assessing the need for security services.