Surge in Political Violence Threatens Global Stability with UK Among Most Affected Nations

Political violence is increasingly becoming a pressing issue worldwide, with Britain finding itself entangled in this alarming trend. According to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data project (ACLED), the past year has witnessed an alarming rise in political violence, with nearly 200,000 incidents reported. This figure marks a significant increase from the 104,371 events recorded in 2020. Tragically, an estimated 233,000 individuals have perished in politically motivated violence this year alone, and ACLED has identified 50 nations currently grappling with extreme, high, or turbulent levels of political violence. Disturbingly, only four of these nations are believed to be on a path to improvement. The data paints a grim picture, with rates of global political violence escalating by an average of 25 percent year-on-year over the last four years. Notably, the Palestinian territories have emerged as the most perilous region globally, with around 80 percent of Palestinians experiencing violent conflict, resulting in a staggering 35,000 deaths. On a daily basis, an average of 52 incidents of political violence unfolds in this region alone. Moreover, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine has contributed to nearly 65,000 recorded incidents this year, witnessing a 14 percent increase from 2023 and an astounding 57 percent rise since 2022. Meanwhile, Myanmar remains embroiled in a civil war, with roughly 170 armed groups active each week this year. The uptick in political violence is not confined to traditional conflict zones; it has also surged in regions experiencing democratic elections. With over 1.6 billion ballots cast in 73 elections worldwide, the past year has seen a 63 percent increase in political violence across states holding elections—a stark contrast to the 21 percent rise in states without elections. In Europe, excluding the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Russia, political violence has tripled since ACLED began collecting data in 2018. The United Kingdom has not been spared this trend, recording 84 incidents of political violence in 2024 alone—a staggering 250 percent increase compared to the previous year. Incidents such as the recent stabbing attack at a children's dance class in Southport, followed by riots targeting asylum seekers and hotels housing refugees, highlight the rising tensions in the country. Understanding the underlying causes of this surge in political violence is essential. Major conflicts, like those in Ukraine and the Israeli-Palestinian territories, are often driven by traditional strategic considerations. However, the rise in violent incidents in established democracies poses a different challenge. Many voters express feelings of disenfranchisement and disaffection, but these sentiments alone do not account for the outbursts of anger and violence witnessed in recent times. Political anger is often exacerbated by populist movements, which exploit public discontent by scapegoating vulnerable groups. As seen throughout history, whether in the form of anti-Jewish pogroms or the current vilification of asylum seekers, the cycle of political anger and violence is often self-perpetuating. Angry individuals are more likely to adopt aggressive stances and become susceptible to disinformation campaigns, particularly within the realm of social media, which thrives on sensationalism and outrage. Recent research has shown that political anger also contributes to societal polarization, as individuals become increasingly resistant to engaging with differing viewpoints. This division undermines the very foundations of a functional democracy, making it all the more crucial to address the root causes of political discontent before it escalates further. While Scotland has so far experienced relative calm compared to other parts of the UK, it is not immune to these troubling trends. Far-right protests against asylum seekers have occurred, signaling a potential mobilization of extremist sentiments. As Scotland approaches the 2026 Holyrood elections, it is vital to recognize the risk of slipping into a cycle of political anger and violence. The challenge of disentangling a nation from such a spiral is far more daunting than preventing it from taking root in the first place. As citizens, leaders, and policymakers navigate this complex landscape, an urgent call to action remains: to foster dialogue, promote inclusivity, and address the grievances of the populace before the seeds of discontent blossom into violence.