Political unrest refers to protests, strikes, and violence that occurs when people lose faith in their government or feel oppressed. It is typically triggered by economic, social, and political factors that undermine people’s quality of life or their faith in the government. It is a global phenomenon that has occurred throughout history and continues to occur worldwide, with countries experiencing varying levels of unrest.

The most common cause of political unrest is severe inequality. When one group in a country has significantly more wealth than another, the lower-income members are more likely to feel dissatisfied with their government and become prone to protesting or engaging in other types of unrest. This is especially true when the government is corrupt and ineffective, which can further demoralize the population and make them more receptive to unrest.

Another major cause of unrest is a sense of injustice and unfairness. For example, racial and gender discrimination and other forms of systemic oppression can spark discontent and protests. In addition, international conflicts and disagreements over policy can trigger unrest.

As a traveller, it’s important to be aware of possible civil unrest when planning your travels. It is recommended to avoid areas where demonstrations and clashes are known to happen and to plan for alternative routes if necessary. Travellers should also be aware of the potential impact that a prolonged period of civil unrest may have on public transit, business operations, and social services. Familiarize yourself with the location of public emergency shelters in your area and make sure that you have contingency plans for where to go and how to get there, if needed.