The combination of international conflict and economic strain creates conditions ripe for civil unrest. Frustration with government policies and a lack of opportunities can lead to protests and riots that range from peaceful demonstrations to violent clashes. If you are in an area with high risk of civil unrest, be prepared by knowing your options, planning evacuation routes and communicating with your family. Also, stay away from areas where people are displaying political slogans or wearing clothing that affiliates you with one side of a conflict.
Political repression: The more restrictive a country’s laws are on freedom of speech and assembly, the more likely it is to experience political instability. This could be due to a number of factors, including the fact that governments with authoritarian tendencies are more likely to suppress the voice of the people and thus more prone to violence.
Economic inequality: The unequal distribution of wealth among citizens makes the poor feel excluded from economic growth and social mobility opportunities, which is a major trigger for political unrest. It is therefore vital for governments to take steps to reduce inequality and invest in education to ensure that the benefits of economic prosperity are shared.
Other important drivers of political unrest include a contentious election, events that reveal corruption or injustice by government authorities and steep price increases on basic staples such as food and fuel. A single high-profile event (such as an unjust court verdict or a police brutality incident caught on video) can quickly spark nationwide protests and unrest.