"Before the people could even figure out who the mysterious figure was, appearing on the horizon in a robe that sparkled like a disco ball, he whipped out a letter filled with bureaucratic gibberish. He read it aloud in a language that sounded like a mix of ancient runes and bad karaoke.With a dramatic snap of his fingers, the crumbling wall suddenly sprang to life, trapping poor Lembusura in the most awkward position imaginable—half of him flailing over the wall, the other half squished behind it. Lembusura was now the unfortunate victim of the world’s most absurd wall.The people were left gaping in shock, their jaws practically hitting the floor. After a brief moment of stunned silence, they snapped back to reality and started yelling, “It’s a trap! This is ridiculous! Let’s get him!”Armed with whatever they could find—popcorn, soda cups, and even a few shoes—the people launched their impromptu arsenal at the mysterious figure. He made a hasty exit, dodging the barrage of snacks and insults.But the chaos didn’t end there. Fueled by a mix of outrage and popcorn, the people decided to take matters into their own hands. They gathered outside the venue, waving makeshift protest signs that read, 'Down with Ridiculous Walls!' and 'Social Justice for All!' Chants of 'Equality and Justice!' echoed through the streets as they marched, determined to bring attention to the absurdity they had just witnessed and demand fairness for everyone, not just Lembusura.Observers on the sidelines couldn’t help but comment on the situation. One remarked, shaking their head, “This decision only benefits a select few.” Another added, 'It’s always the same story—the powerful get away with everything while the rest of us suffer.'Others chimed in with more humorous takes. 'I knew I should’ve brought my popcorn launcher!' one exclaimed, clearly regretting their lack of preparation. Another, munching on a snack, quipped, 'Is this a protest or a food fight? Either way, I’m in!' Someone else suggested, 'Next time, let’s trap him in a giant marshmallow. Much tastier.' Amidst the laughter, one observer noted, 'I haven’t seen this much drama since my last family reunion!' And finally, a voice from the back shouted, 'If only we could solve all our problems with popcorn and soda cups.'Then, a particularly sceptical observer added, 'Maybe this whole thing is just a diversion to expedite the felling of the banyan trees!' This comment sparked a new wave of murmurs and conspiracy theories among the crowd. Another observer added, 'And we need a big wave to establish social justice in this kingdom.'Meanwhile, in another part of the kingdom, the royal envoy had successfully taken control of the ancient banyan tree, a symbol of resilience and history. The envoy’s actions were met with mixed reactions, with some praising the move as necessary and others decrying it as an overreach of power.What happens next? Will the people manage to serve up some justice? Will Lembusura ever be freed from his wall-induced predicament? And what is the fate of the banyan tree? Stay tuned for the next thrilling episode of 'The Tacky Wall'!""Now let's move on," said Cattleya. "Political instability creates a cascade of negative effects that undermine the very foundations of a nation's strength, including its economy, social fabric, institutions, and security. Nations facing internal political instability are more vulnerable to external threats, such as foreign intervention, exploitation by other states, or even terrorism. Instability can be seen as an opportunity by external actors to further weaken or influence the nation for their interests. Political instability often leads to inconsistent governance and weakened rule of law. When governments frequently change or are unstable, policies can be erratic, and law enforcement becomes inconsistent. Somalia has experienced decades of political instability, with no effective central government since the collapse of Siad Barre's regime in 1991. This instability has led to the breakdown of the rule of law, allowing warlords, militant groups like Al-Shabaab, and pirates to flourish. The lack of a stable government has made it difficult to enforce laws, protect citizens, or provide basic services, resulting in widespread chaos and lawlessness.Instability in government can create an unpredictable economic environment. Investors, both domestic and international, tend to avoid unstable regions due to the risks associated with fluctuating policies, potential conflict, or economic mismanagement. This can lead to reduced foreign direct investment (FDI), capital flight, and overall economic decline. Political instability creates economic uncertainty as businesses and investors are unsure about the future of the country's policies, regulations, and leadership. This uncertainty discourages investment, leading to slower economic growth, capital flight, and sometimes even economic collapse. Venezuela has suffered from severe political instability, especially under the leadership of Nicolás Maduro. The political crisis, characterized by disputed elections, protests, and international sanctions, has led to hyperinflation, a collapse of the national currency, and a significant decline in foreign investment. The economic uncertainty has resulted in one of the worst economic crises in the country’s history, with millions of citizens fleeing the country in search of better opportunities.Stable political systems are crucial for the development and maintenance of strong national institutions, such as the judiciary, military, and civil services. When political instability occurs, these institutions can become politicized or weakened, reducing their effectiveness in maintaining order and providing public services. Stable political systems are necessary for the development and maintenance of strong national institutions. Political instability often leads to the politicization or weakening of these institutions, reducing their effectiveness. Iraq has faced political instability since the U.S. invasion in 2003 and the subsequent toppling of Saddam Hussein’s regime. The instability led to the weakening of national institutions, including the military, judiciary, and civil service. As a result, these institutions have struggled to effectively govern, provide security, or deliver services, contributing to ongoing violence, corruption, and sectarian tensions.Nations facing internal political instability are more vulnerable to external threats, such as foreign intervention, exploitation by other states, or even terrorism. Instability can be seen as an opportunity by external actors to further weaken or influence the nation for their own interests. Ukraine has faced political instability, particularly since the annexation of Crimea by Russia in 2014 and the conflict in eastern Ukraine with Russian-backed separatists. The political instability and divisions within Ukraine have made it vulnerable to external threats, including foreign military intervention and cyberattacks. The ongoing conflict has weakened Ukraine's sovereignty and exposed it to continuous external pressures.Political instability often disrupts social services such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure development. This leads to deteriorating human development indicators, such as lower literacy rates, higher mortality rates, and reduced life expectancy, weakening the nation's overall potential. Yemen has been embroiled in a civil war since 2015, leading to severe political instability. The conflict has devastated the country’s infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, and water facilities. As a result, Yemen has experienced a humanitarian crisis, with millions of people facing starvation, lack of access to healthcare, and disrupted education. The war has significantly set back Yemen's human development, with children being the most affected.Political instability often triggers social unrest, as different factions or groups within a country may feel marginalized or oppressed. This can lead to protests, strikes, or even civil war, further destabilizing the country and reducing the quality of life for its citizens. Political instability can exacerbate social divisions, leading to unrest and sometimes violent conflict. This unrest often stems from groups feeling marginalized or oppressed by the ruling government or factions within the state. The Arab Spring began in 2010 when widespread political instability and dissatisfaction with authoritarian regimes led to protests and revolutions across the Middle East and North Africa. In countries like Libya, the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi led to a power vacuum, resulting in ongoing civil war, fragmentation of the state, and severe social unrest that continues to this day.Social unrest refers to a situation in which a large group of people in a society express dissatisfaction, frustration, or anger toward their government, institutions, or other social structures. This unrest can manifest in various forms, such as protests, strikes, demonstrations, riots, or other forms of civil disobedience. The causes of social unrest can be diverse, including economic inequality, political corruption, human rights violations, ethnic or religious tensions, and perceived injustices. Social unrest often occurs when a significant portion of the population feels that their grievances are not being addressed through normal political or social channels. It can lead to instability, conflict, and, in some cases, significant changes in government policies or leadership.When there is a significant gap between the rich and the poor, it can lead to frustration and resentment among those who feel left behind. Economic inequality often manifests in unequal access to basic resources such as education, healthcare, and housing. High levels of unemployment, especially among young people, can lead to feelings of hopelessness and marginalization. This can be a powerful motivator for protests and other forms of social unrest. Rising prices without corresponding increases in wages can strain the population's ability to meet basic needs, leading to protests over issues like food prices, fuel costs, and housing affordability.When political leaders or institutions are perceived as corrupt, it erodes trust in the government. Citizens may feel that their leaders are enriching themselves at the public's expense, leading to protests demanding transparency and accountability. In societies where people feel excluded from the political process or where elections are perceived as rigged, social unrest can emerge as a way to demand more inclusive and fair governance.Governments that engage in repressive actions, such as censorship, arbitrary arrests, or violent crackdowns on dissent, often face backlash. Social unrest can arise when people demand basic rights and freedoms. Ethnic, religious, or racial discrimination can lead to social tensions and unrest, particularly if a minority group feels systematically oppressed or marginalized by the state or the majority population. In multi-ethnic or multi-religious societies, identity-based tensions can lead to unrest, especially if one group feels that its identity or culture is under threat. Sometimes, social unrest can be driven by a clash between different generations, particularly when younger people feel that their values and aspirations are not being represented or respected by older generations in power.Competition over scarce resources like water, land, and energy can lead to conflicts, particularly in regions where these resources are vital for survival. Destruction of the environment, whether through industrial pollution, deforestation, or climate change, can lead to social unrest, especially when local communities feel that their livelihoods and health are being compromised.Events such as financial crashes, commodity price shocks, or trade disruptions can lead to economic instability, triggering social unrest as people react to sudden losses of income or employment. Globalization can lead to job losses in certain industries, wage stagnation, and cultural changes that some segments of society might resist, leading to social tension and unrest.Populist movements often emerge in response to perceived elites or corrupt institutions and can lead to social unrest as these movements mobilize large segments of the population. When a significant portion of the population adopts revolutionary ideologies that challenge the existing social order, it can lead to uprisings, revolutions, and other forms of social unrest.Sometimes, a single event, such as a police shooting, a government scandal, or a natural disaster, can act as a catalyst that triggers social unrest. These events often tap into underlying grievances, causing them to explode into public view. When social safety nets fail to protect the most vulnerable populations, it can lead to widespread dissatisfaction and unrest, especially in times of economic downturn or crisis. A lack of trust in the legal system to deliver justice can lead to people taking to the streets to demand justice, particularly in cases of high-profile crimes or corruption.Political instability erodes public trust in government institutions and leaders. When citizens lose confidence in their government's ability to manage the country effectively, they may become disengaged, cynical, or even hostile towards the state. This can result in lower civic participation, less compliance with laws, and a diminished sense of national unity. Brazil has experienced a series of political scandals and corruption cases, most notably the "Operation Car Wash" investigation, which led to the impeachment of President Dilma Rousseff in 2016. The political instability that followed has eroded public trust in government institutions, with many Brazilians becoming disillusioned with the political system. This erosion of trust has fueled protests, lowered voter turnout, and increased political polarization.Social unrest and the erosion of public trust in the government can lead to social disobedience. When people lose faith in the government's ability or willingness to address their concerns, they may feel compelled to take matters into their own hands, which can manifest in various forms of disobedience, such as protests, strikes, and other forms of civil resistance. Social disobedience refers to the active, public, and often collective refusal to comply with certain laws, regulations, or governmental directives that are perceived as unjust, unfair, or illegitimate. It is a form of protest or resistance where individuals or groups challenge the authority of the state or social norms, usually in a non-violent manner, though it can sometimes escalate into more confrontational actions.If a significant portion of the population believes that the government is unjust or corrupt, they may be more likely to engage in civil disobedience as a form of protest. Economic struggles often exacerbate feelings of injustice and mistrust. When people are facing unemployment, rising costs, or other economic difficulties, they may blame the government, leading to unrest.When governments fail to communicate effectively or transparently with the public, it can lead to misunderstandings, misinformation, and further erosion of trust. Social movements, especially those that are well-organized and have a clear message, can galvanize public sentiment and encourage acts of disobedience against what is perceived as an unjust government.In societies with a history of authoritarianism or where there is a strong culture of resistance, social disobedience may be more likely to occur when public trust in the government erodes.Social disobedience can be both peaceful and non-peaceful, and its outcomes can vary. In some cases, it can lead to positive change and reforms, while in others, it might result in increased repression or instability.We have touched upon the tremors of political instability; next, let us journey into the shadows of economic decline. Biidhnillah."Thereafter, Cattleya graced us with a soulful recitation of her poem,In streets where voices rise and echo loud,Trust in leaders fades, beneath a shroud.Promises once bright, now lost in dust,A nation’s heart, betrayed by broken trust.
Citations & References:
- Aleksandar S. Jovanović, Ortwin Renn & Regina Schröter, Social Unrest, 2012, OECD
- Lorenzo Bosi, Marco Giugni & Katrin Uba (Eds.), The Consequences of Social Movements, 2016, Cambridge University Press
- David S. Meyer, Nancy Whittiern & Belinda Robnett, Social Movements: Identity, Culture, and the State, 2002, Oxford University Press
- James DeFronzo, Revolutions and Revolutionary Movements, 2015, Westview Press
