Political unrest can cause serious problems for a nation, including foreign investment losses, job losses, and a drop in the value of the national currency. It can also erode people’s faith in democratic institutions and stall economic growth. The key to defusing political violence is to make a concerted effort by leaders at all levels of society—from presidents and party leaders, police chiefs and judges, to activists and community leaders—to uphold democratic values and condemn violent rhetoric and behavior.
The term ‘political unrest’ is used broadly to describe protests, riots and other public disturbances. But it’s important to remember that civil disorders are not always politically motivated. They can be caused by other issues such as a breakdown of public services, high costs for goods and utilities or low incomes.
Riots are usually the result of frustration with some aspect of people’s lives and can lead to rebellion or revolution. They may be driven by a specific issue such as race riots or prison riots, but more often they are part of a wider social discontent and sense of exclusion.
While Americans generally reject political violence, the current environment has contributed to a breakdown of fundamental democratic norms, making it easier for dangerous extremism to thrive. Liliana Mason says that the best way to combat this is by all Americans—from presidents, party leaders and police chiefs to judges, activists and community leaders—to recommit to upholding democracy’s principles, denouncing violence and lawbreaking as unacceptable, and using the tools that democratic systems provide to reform institutions and inspire hope and attachment.
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