Simone Lawson
Political instability remains a pressing global concern, with numerous countries grappling with internal conflicts, governance challenges, and socio-economic crises. Nations such as Afghanistan, Yemen, and Syria continue to face protracted civil wars and external interventions, while others like Myanmar, Venezuela, and Haiti struggle with authoritarian regimes, economic collapse, and widespread civil unrest. Factors such as corruption, ethnic tensions, resource scarcity, and weak institutions often exacerbate instability, making it difficult for these countries to achieve sustainable peace and development. Understanding which countries are politically unstable is crucial for international policymakers, humanitarian organizations, and global citizens seeking to address the root causes of conflict and support vulnerable populations.
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What You'll Learn
Recent coups and military takeovers
In recent years, several countries have experienced political instability marked by coups and military takeovers, often exacerbating existing social, economic, and security challenges. One notable example is Mali, which has faced repeated military interventions since 2020. In August 2020, President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta was ousted in a coup led by Colonel Assimi Goïta, citing corruption and mismanagement. Despite promises of a transition to civilian rule, Goïta staged a second coup in May 2021, consolidating military control and drawing international condemnation and sanctions. Mali's instability has been compounded by a persistent jihadist insurgency and regional insecurity in the Sahel.
Another significant case is Myanmar, where a military coup in February 2021 overturned the democratically elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi. The Tatmadaw, Myanmar's military, alleged electoral fraud in the 2020 elections and declared a state of emergency. The coup sparked widespread protests and civil disobedience, met with brutal crackdowns by security forces, resulting in thousands of arrests and deaths. The country has since descended into a protracted conflict, with armed resistance groups forming to challenge military rule. The coup has also deepened economic crises and isolated Myanmar internationally.
In Chad, political instability culminated in a military takeover following the death of President Idriss Déby in April 2021. Déby, who had ruled for over three decades, was killed while visiting troops fighting rebels in the north. His son, General Mahamat Déby, was swiftly installed as the head of a military council, effectively continuing the family's grip on power. The transition has been criticized for sidelining democratic processes, and Chad remains vulnerable to internal and regional security threats, including insurgency and spillover from conflicts in neighboring countries like Libya and Sudan.
Guinea also experienced a military coup in September 2021, when Colonel Mamady Doumbouya led a group of special forces soldiers to overthrow President Alpha Condé. The coup was fueled by public discontent over Condé's controversial third-term election and economic grievances. Doumbouya promised reforms and a transition to civilian rule, but the timeline remains unclear. The coup has raised concerns about democratic backsliding in West Africa, a region that had made strides toward political stability in recent decades.
Lastly, Sudan has been mired in political turmoil since the ousting of long-time dictator Omar al-Bashir in 2019. Despite initial hopes for a democratic transition, tensions between civilian leaders and the military escalated, culminating in a coup in October 2021 led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. The coup derailed Sudan's fragile transition, triggering mass protests and international condemnation. Efforts to restore civilian rule have faced significant challenges, with ongoing power struggles and economic crises deepening the country's instability.
These recent coups and military takeovers highlight the fragility of democratic institutions in many countries and the recurring role of the military in political transitions. The consequences often include human rights abuses, economic downturns, and prolonged conflicts, underscoring the urgent need for international support and sustainable solutions to address the root causes of instability.
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Ongoing civil wars and conflicts
As of recent data, several countries are grappling with ongoing civil wars and conflicts that significantly contribute to their political instability. One of the most prominent examples is Syria, where a devastating civil war has been raging since 2011. The conflict, which began as a series of protests against President Bashar al-Assad's regime, has since escalated into a complex, multi-faceted war involving numerous factions, including government forces, rebel groups, Kurdish militias, and international actors like Russia, Iran, Turkey, and the United States. The war has resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths, millions of displaced persons, and widespread destruction of infrastructure, making Syria one of the most politically unstable countries in the world.
Another country mired in ongoing conflict is Yemen, where a civil war broke out in 2014 between the internationally recognized government, supported by a Saudi-led coalition, and the Houthi rebels, backed by Iran. The conflict has led to a catastrophic humanitarian crisis, with widespread famine, disease, and the collapse of essential services. The war has also drawn in regional powers, further complicating efforts to achieve peace. Yemen's political instability is exacerbated by its fragmented governance, with various regions controlled by different factions, making it difficult to establish a unified and stable government.
In Afghanistan, the political landscape has been marked by decades of conflict, most recently following the Taliban's return to power in 2021 after the withdrawal of U.S. and NATO forces. The Taliban's takeover has led to widespread human rights abuses, particularly against women and minorities, and has sparked resistance from various groups, including the National Resistance Front. Additionally, the Islamic State-Khorasan Province (ISIS-K) continues to pose a significant security threat, carrying out attacks across the country. Afghanistan's political instability is further compounded by economic collapse, international isolation, and the lack of a broadly accepted government.
Myanmar (Burma) has also been engulfed in conflict since the military coup in February 2021, which ousted the democratically elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi. The coup sparked widespread protests and armed resistance, with various ethnic armed groups and newly formed People's Defense Forces (PDFs) fighting against the military junta. The conflict has resulted in severe human rights violations, including mass killings, arbitrary arrests, and displacement of civilians. Myanmar's political instability is deepened by the junta's lack of legitimacy, international sanctions, and the fragmented nature of the resistance movement, which includes diverse ethnic and political groups with varying goals.
In Ethiopia, the Tigray War, which began in November 2020, has led to a severe humanitarian crisis and political instability. The conflict pits the Ethiopian federal government, supported by regional militias and Eritrea, against the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF). The war has resulted in widespread atrocities, including massacres, sexual violence, and the deliberate targeting of civilians. Despite a peace agreement signed in November 2022, the situation remains fragile, with ongoing reports of violence and human rights abuses. Ethiopia's instability is further complicated by ethnic tensions, economic challenges, and the risk of the conflict spreading to other regions.
Lastly, Somalia continues to struggle with political instability due to the ongoing conflict involving the federal government, regional states, and various armed groups, most notably Al-Shabaab, a militant Islamist organization. Despite efforts by the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and international partners to stabilize the country, Al-Shabaab remains a potent threat, carrying out frequent attacks on civilian and military targets. Somalia's instability is also fueled by weak governance, clan-based power struggles, and humanitarian crises exacerbated by drought and food insecurity. These ongoing civil wars and conflicts not only cause immense human suffering but also hinder efforts to establish political stability and sustainable development in these countries.
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Frequent government collapses or resignations
Another country grappling with frequent government collapses is Italy. Its political landscape is characterized by a multi-party system where coalitions are often fragile and short-lived. Since the end of World War II, Italy has had over 60 governments, with many lasting less than two years. Recent examples include the collapse of the Conte II government in 2021 and the subsequent resignation of Mario Draghi in 2022, triggered by coalition infighting and policy disputes. These frequent changes have contributed to policy inconsistency and economic uncertainty, exacerbating Italy's structural challenges.
In Lebanon, government collapses and resignations have become almost routine, driven by sectarian divisions, corruption, and external interference. The 2020 Beirut port explosion led to widespread protests and the resignation of Prime Minister Hassan Diab's government. However, political deadlock and competing interests among sectarian parties have prevented the formation of a stable government, leaving the country in a state of prolonged crisis. The inability to address pressing issues like economic collapse and public services has deepened public disillusionment and political instability.
Peru is another example where frequent government collapses reflect systemic political dysfunction. Since 2018, Peru has had six presidents, with many ousted or forced to resign amid corruption scandals, impeachment proceedings, or public protests. The dissolution of Congress by President Martín Vizcarra in 2019 and the subsequent political turmoil highlight the fragility of Peru's democratic institutions. This instability has hindered efforts to address inequality, corruption, and economic development, leaving the country in a perpetual state of crisis.
Lastly, Thailand has experienced recurrent government collapses and military interventions, undermining its democratic progress. Since 2006, the country has seen multiple coups and the ousting of elected governments, often fueled by political polarization between royalist-military elites and populist movements. The 2020 youth-led protests demanding political reforms and curbs on monarchical power further exposed the fragility of Thailand's political system. Frequent government changes and military interference have stifled democratic consolidation and exacerbated social divisions.
In all these cases, frequent government collapses or resignations are symptoms of deeper structural issues, including weak institutions, polarization, and governance failures. These patterns not only disrupt political continuity but also undermine economic stability, public trust, and the overall well-being of citizens, cementing these countries' reputations as politically unstable.
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High levels of political violence
Another country grappling with high levels of political violence is Myanmar. Since the military coup in February 2021, the country has descended into chaos, with the junta brutally suppressing pro-democracy protests and resistance movements. The military's use of lethal force against civilians, including airstrikes and indiscriminate killings, has resulted in a humanitarian crisis. Ethnic minority groups, such as the Rohingya, continue to face persecution, while armed resistance groups have emerged to challenge the junta's rule. The escalating violence has led to widespread displacement, with neighboring countries struggling to cope with the influx of refugees.
Syria remains a prime example of a nation plagued by political violence, with its decade-long civil war causing immense suffering. The conflict, which began as a popular uprising against President Bashar al-Assad, has evolved into a complex proxy war involving regional and global powers. The use of chemical weapons, barrel bombs, and siege tactics has resulted in catastrophic civilian casualties and infrastructure destruction. Extremist groups like ISIS exploited the chaos to establish a foothold, further complicating the conflict. Despite intermittent ceasefires, violence persists, particularly in areas contested by the government, rebel factions, and Kurdish forces.
In Somalia, political violence is fueled by a combination of clan rivalries, extremist insurgencies, and weak governance. The al-Shabaab militant group continues to launch deadly attacks on government institutions, international organizations, and civilian targets. The federal government, supported by African Union peacekeeping forces, struggles to assert control over the entire country. Frequent bombings, assassinations, and territorial disputes exacerbate instability, hindering efforts to rebuild the nation. The lack of a centralized authority and the proliferation of armed clans perpetuate a cycle of violence that undermines any prospects for peace.
Lastly, Yemen exemplifies a country where political violence has reached catastrophic levels, driven by a protracted civil war and foreign intervention. The conflict between the Houthi rebels and the Saudi-backed government has resulted in widespread devastation, with airstrikes, ground battles, and blockades causing immense civilian suffering. The war has created the world's worst humanitarian crisis, with famine, disease, and displacement affecting millions. Regional powers, including Saudi Arabia and Iran, have fueled the violence by providing arms and support to opposing factions. Despite international efforts to broker peace, the conflict persists, with no end in sight to the bloodshed.
These countries illustrate how high levels of political violence are both a symptom and a driver of political instability. The absence of effective governance, coupled with deep-rooted conflicts, creates an environment where violence becomes normalized, making it exceedingly difficult to achieve lasting peace. Addressing such instability requires comprehensive solutions that tackle the root causes of conflict, strengthen institutions, and prioritize the protection of civilian lives.
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Elections marred by fraud or disputes
In recent years, several countries have experienced elections marred by fraud or disputes, contributing to their political instability. One notable example is Afghanistan, where the 2019 presidential election was plagued by widespread allegations of irregularities, including ballot stuffing, voter intimidation, and technical issues with biometric verification systems. The disputed results led to a months-long political standoff between President Ashraf Ghani and his rival Abdullah Abdullah, both of whom declared victory. This crisis deepened existing political divisions and weakened the government's legitimacy, exacerbating the country's instability amid ongoing conflict with the Taliban.
Another case is Belarus, where the 2020 presidential election sparked massive protests and international condemnation. President Alexander Lukashenko, often referred to as "Europe's last dictator," claimed an overwhelming victory with 80% of the vote. However, opposition candidate Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and independent observers alleged massive fraud, including falsified results and voter suppression. The election dispute led to unprecedented nationwide protests, which were met with brutal crackdowns by security forces. The crisis isolated Belarus internationally and deepened its political instability, with Lukashenko's regime increasingly reliant on Russian support to maintain control.
In Venezuela, the 2018 presidential election was widely condemned as fraudulent, further entrenching the country's political and economic crisis. President Nicolás Maduro secured re-election in a vote boycotted by the main opposition parties, which cited unfair conditions and lack of transparency. International observers, including the European Union and the Organization of American States, rejected the results, accusing the Maduro regime of manipulating the electoral process. The disputed election deepened Venezuela's political polarization, with opposition leader Juan Guaidó declaring himself interim president, backed by numerous Western countries. This power struggle has since contributed to ongoing political instability and humanitarian suffering.
Kenya has also faced significant electoral disputes, most notably in the 2017 presidential election. The initial vote was annulled by the Supreme Court due to irregularities, marking the first time in African history that a court overturned a presidential election. The rerun, boycotted by opposition leader Raila Odinga, was marred by violence and accusations of fraud. The disputed election results heightened ethnic tensions and political divisions, leading to protests and clashes between opposition supporters and security forces. While a handshake agreement between President Uhuru Kenyatta and Odinga in 2018 eased immediate tensions, the legacy of electoral disputes continues to affect Kenya's political landscape.
Lastly, Myanmar (formerly Burma) experienced a severe political crisis following the 2020 general election. The National League for Democracy (NLD), led by Aung San Suu Kyi, secured a landslide victory, but the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) alleged widespread fraud. In February 2021, the military staged a coup, claiming electoral irregularities as a pretext, and detained civilian leaders. The coup triggered mass protests and civil disobedience, met with violent suppression by the military junta. The election dispute and subsequent coup plunged Myanmar into deep political instability, with ongoing conflict between the military regime and pro-democracy forces.
These examples illustrate how elections marred by fraud or disputes can exacerbate political instability, erode public trust, and deepen divisions within societies. Addressing electoral integrity is crucial for fostering democratic governance and preventing further turmoil in politically fragile countries.
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Frequently asked questions
Key indicators include frequent changes in government, widespread civil unrest, political violence, corruption, weak rule of law, and economic instability.
Regions like the Middle East, parts of Africa (e.g., Sahel, Horn of Africa), and certain areas in Central and South America (e.g., Venezuela, Haiti) are often highlighted for political instability.
Political instability deters foreign investment, disrupts trade, increases inflation, and often leads to currency devaluation, hindering economic growth and development.
Yes, political instability often results in humanitarian crises, including food shortages, displacement of populations, human rights violations, and limited access to healthcare and education.
International intervention can provide aid, mediation, peacekeeping forces, and diplomatic pressure, but its effectiveness depends on local cooperation, clear objectives, and long-term commitment.
