Political unrest is a global phenomenon that has been seen in countries and communities across the globe. The causes of political unrest vary, but they are usually the result of economic inequalities, government repression and corruption. These issues can cause people to lose faith in the government and become more prone to protests or other forms of unrest.
Despite the widespread use of the term, there is no single, legally-binding definition of civil unrest. In general, it encompasses all forms of collective, non-violent actions that can lead to violence and/or social instability. However, most open source conflict data sets do not define civil unrest in their databases, choosing instead to offer different definitions for riot and protest (Kalyvas, 2000).
Some governments have taken steps to tackle the root causes of political unrest, including introducing policies that promote economic growth and reduce inequality. They have also tried to address the issue of corruption by implementing anti-corruption measures and increasing transparency. Other policies that may help prevent political unrest include reducing poverty, improving education and healthcare services, and promoting equality between men and women.
Travelers can prepare for potential political unrest by learning about the culture, history and sources of tension in their destination country before departure. They should also stay away from areas where clashes and demonstrations are taking place, and check the International SOS travel advisories for their destination regularly. Lastly, they should familiarize themselves with multiple evacuation routes and practice their escape plans in case the need to leave arises.
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