Political unrest is a state of instability characterized by social and economic discontent that can manifest as protests, riots, strikes, or revolution. It is triggered by economic and/or political factors that undermine people’s quality of life and faith in their government. Political oppression, corruption, inequality, and authoritarianism are the most common causes of political unrest.
The roots of political unrest are complex and varied. Inequality, unemployment, and a lack of democracy can cause citizens to lose faith in their political system and its leaders. This can lead to a collapse of the government, sometimes through violent means.
Corruption and political repression also diminish the legitimacy of government institutions and can lead to mass protests and revolts. Movements advocating for racial and social justice are often the focus of these protests, which are often peaceful but can escalate into violence. These movements can be fueled by high-profile incidents of discrimination or police brutality and often gain momentum through the internet. Rapid economic change and globalisation can also trigger political unrest, as it can disrupt traditional economies, threaten local jobs, and displace populations.
Political upheaval can have economic consequences as it can lead to the loss of foreign investment and cause a drop in the value of a national currency. This can lead to a recession and create further economic hardship for the population. Dragun’s play uses absurdist comedy to highlight the dehumanising effects of political unrest, demonstrating how the human spirit can overcome this.
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