The Rise of Political and Social Dissent Globally in 2024 Needs Urgent Concerted Interventions.

The world has witnessed a noticeable surge in political and social dissent in recent years. Arguably, it’s a phenomenon that is not isolated to any particular region or country but stretches across continents, affecting both democratic and authoritarian regimes alike.

The reasons behind this global unrest are diverse. They range from economic inequality, political corruption, identity politics, and environmental concerns. At the heart of much of this dissent is economic inequality.

Tracing the dissent

The gap between the wealthy and the poor has grown wider, with an ever-increasing concentration of wealth in the hands of a few. Meanwhile, the majority of people face stagnant wages and rising costs of living; a perfect recipe for frustration and resentment. This economic divide acts as a catalyst for protests and demands for systemic change. People increasingly feel left behind by the economic system.

Political corruption and a lack of accountability also play a significant role in driving dissent. In many countries, citizens are disillusioned with corrupt governments and officials who misuse public resources and engage in unethical practices. African countries like Kenya, Nigeria, and Zambia play the perfect victims in this case. Other Asian and South American countries also largely fit here.

For instance, Kenya has experienced significant political unrest in 2024. The calls to #rejectfinancebill2024 that went unheeded birthed #occupyparliament. And as the political class seems to not get the overarching calls for systems reformation, there have been calls for the resignation of the president.

These tensions are compounded by high unemployment rates and rising living costs, which have hit the country’s youth particularly hard. The flooding of streets has been a call to address economic disparities and mismanagement of public resources. The government’s heavy-handed response, including the use of force against protesters and media restriction threats, has only intensified public anger and calls for justice.

Bangladesh, perhaps, is the latest example of the outcomes of crude citizen anger against policies that don’t augur well with the masses. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was forced to resign under the massive demonstrations led by students and supported by the general public. The protests that began as calls against the job quotas policy spiralled to other demands.

Concerns over government actions, such as curbs on free speech and political opposition fueled the protests further leading to demands for greater democratic freedoms and transparency. Remember Bangladesh’s garment industry, a major economic driver, has faced disruptions due to global market fluctuations of late, leading to job losses and wage disputes. Workers have protested for better wages and working conditions.

Nicolas Maduro is feeling the heat as well in Venezuela as protesters continue to dispute the transparency of this year’s elections that declared him a winner. As he vows to tramp the political protests against his government, it remains a matter of time to see how far he will go with the hardline, especially against the youth who have chosen to redefine national governance globally.

Across the world, numerous examples highlight the growing tide of political and social dissatisfaction among the people against empty political promises. Interestingly, it is not something that just started in 2024.

Earlier protests that can be dated to as far back as 2018 with the French’s yellow vest movement and, the USA’s Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement sparked by the death of George Floyd in May 2020 point to a continual call to address systemic issues in society.

The BLM revolution brought issues of systemic racism, police brutality, and racial injustice to the forefront. The movement not only sparked protests across the United States but also resonated globally, prompting discussions about racial inequality in various countries.

Thus, issues related to race, gender, sexual orientation, and other forms of identity have gained prominence as dissent triggers, with marginalized groups calling for recognition, equality, and justice. These movements challenge existing social norms and demand a restructuring of societal values and systems to ensure fair treatment for all.

Also, environmental concerns are increasingly becoming a focal point of dissent. As the impacts of climate change and environmental degradation become more apparent, activists—especially young people—are mobilizing to demand urgent action from governments and corporations. They seek to address the climate crisis and preserve natural resources for future generations. Unfortunately, they often face resistance from established powers.

Erosion of transparency and accountability often undermines public trust in institutions and propels a desire for change. People demand leaders who govern with integrity and are held accountable for their actions.

The rapid growth in the use of digital technology and social media has amplified these movements’ mobilisation. The accessibility of information and the ability to organize quickly have empowered individuals and groups to voice their concerns more effectively. Today, movements can gain momentum rapidly, spreading their message and rallying support on a global scale.

Addressing the issues

To address these widespread grievances, a multifaceted approach is necessary. Promoting economic equity is crucial. Policies that reduce inequality—such as fair taxation, minimum wage laws, social safety nets, and investments in education and healthcare—can help bridge the economic divide and create opportunities for upward mobility.

Enhancing transparency and accountability in governance is another vital step. Governments must prioritize anti-corruption measures. They must establish functional and truly independent oversight bodies, and ensure free and fair elections. A free press and protection for whistleblowers are essential components of a transparent system that holds leaders accountable.

Fostering inclusive policies that protect the rights of all citizens, regardless of identity, is also important. Legal protections against discrimination, affirmative action programs, and inclusive representation in political and social institutions can help address social inequalities and ensure fair treatment for all.

Environmental concerns must be urgently addressed. Governments and corporations need to commit to transitioning to renewable energy. Also, they must enforce environmental regulations and invest in sustainable infrastructure. Proactive steps to combat climate change are essential for addressing the concerns of environmental activists and ensuring a sustainable future.

Finally, while technology can amplify dissent, it can also be a tool for positive change. Governments and civil society organizations should leverage digital platforms for public engagement, education, and dialogue. However, ensuring transparency in online spaces and combating misinformation is crucial for fostering informed and constructive discourse.

The rising tide of global political and social dissent in 2024 reflects widespread dissatisfaction with existing systems and governance. The causes of unrest vary from country to country but common themes of economic hardship, political corruption, and a demand for greater justice and equity emerge.

Addressing these challenges requires not only immediate responses to the grievances but also long-term strategies to build inclusive and resilient societies. Governments must acknowledge the legitimacy of the dissent and engage in meaningful reforms.

The path forward involves not only addressing the immediate grievances but also creating systems that prioritize the well-being and dignity of all citizens.