Political Violence – Causes and Forms of Political Violence

Modern history is littered with stories of political violence as it has become endemic in modern times. But the concept of political violence is not new as it has existed since ancient times. Aristotle also maintained that political violence has a moral and ethical dimension.

Political violence generally arises from some social tensions and it is directed against the state. However, political violence is different from other types of violence or general violence as violence in the political arena is a purposeful action that is directed against the wrong or unjust policies of the state.

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General Causes of Political Violence

According to the popular view which was also acknowledged by Aristotle and Chanakya, the wrong and unjust policies of government give rise to political violence by people. The wrong, unjust, and discriminatory policies by the state or the government lead to discontent among the people. The insensitive rule, the elitist and pro-rich policy, the excessive commodities, and the utter disregard for the social morality and ethical values of the community are the general causes of political violence.

The discriminatory treatment of some sections of society, casual or deliberate neglect of some regions, linguistic, religious, and caste groups, frequent use of force, corruption, misrule, and patronizing attitudes are some of the other general causes of political violence.

Different Forms of Political Violence:

Violent Protest Against the Government by People

The violent protest by people is one of the many forms of political violence and it happens when people fail to get their grievances redressed through peaceful or democratic means. This type of political violence may include the attack and plunder of the Government property and other symbols of Government and authority. It is temporary in nature as it dies down after the Government uses perspective measures to control it.

Military Revolts and Takeovers

Military takeovers and revolts generally occur when the political authority is weak or it has failed to deliver good to society. This type of political violence is very frequently seen in the states of the African continent. When the political authority is corrupt and is least bothered about the plights of the masses, it loses its credibility and ultimately legitimacy and authority to rule.

The army, which is the most powerful section of society, steps in to take advantage of the fluid situation arising out of the misrule and bad governance. In military revolts, a sizeable section of soldiers rise in revolt against the government or political authority. The second form; is takeovers or coups which is the most serious threat to democracy and representative government as the military took over important institutions like parliament, judiciary, etc.

Terrorism

Terrorism is the most serious type of political violence in modern times. This is a type of war against fellow human beings waged by a few bigoted and criminal-minded people. They kill innocent people, women, and children. Terrorism is fought on the issue of a non-issue. The self-made ideology is the only justification for their acts of violence. Terrorism is a law and order with a difference and it poses a direct challenge to the state and the government.

Revolts, Rebellion and Revolution

The revolts are carried out by a group of people or some sections of society and arise due to popular dissatisfaction. The rebellion has a strong ideological foundation and is led by dedicated and committed leaders. It provides the people with a vision of a better future. Revolution has emerged as the most potent weapon of political violence. This is relatively a modern phenomenon, which seeks to usher in a complete transformation of society and it is generally characterized by large-scale violence, social tension, and unrest.

War

War is the most extreme of political violence. When the talks and negotiations fail to resolve certain political or national issues, the logical fallout of this is war. War is the ultimate form of political violence and it results in tremendous loss of property and manpower. It ends with the victory or defeat of one party or another party. War is generally of two types; external wars and internal war (also known as civil war).

External war is wedged between two countries or states, while civil war is fought by two sections of the society or one powerful section of the people and the state. War, whether internal or external, weakens the authority of the state. Sometimes it results in the demise of the old state, while it gives rise to the formation of the new state.

Thus, any type of political violence always results in bad for a state.