As a global phenomenon, political unrest—riots, strikes, and anti-government demonstrations—has been more active over the past decade than ever. It is driven by a cocktail of asymmetric, interacting forces: climate change drives economic inequality; globalisation supports corruption; and political oppression inspires social justice movements. All of these factors are exacerbated by a culture of identity politics, which empowers individuals to use protest as a proxy for their grievances.
The mismatch between governments’ capabilities and public expectations can lead to political instability, ranging from the rise of populism and polarization within political systems to waves of activism or protests and even civil war or state collapse in extreme cases. Variations in state capacity, ideology, and prior histories with mobilization will determine how these factors interact in each country and region.
As the threat of political violence grows, it’s important to monitor the situation in any destinations where you plan travel. You can do this by reading International SOS destination guides, available in the Assistance App and member portal; checking Amnesty International’s annual reports on human rights practices in your chosen destination; and reviewing State Department country ratings to assess levels of violence or repression (see also the “Conflict Risk” article). You should also consider signing up for International SOS alerts, which will inform you if a destination’s risk rating changes. Additionally, you can review business practices and consider rescheduling meetings or events if you anticipate protest activity in your destination.