political instability essay

What is Political Instability: Understanding the Impact

• Political Theory

Political instability refers to a situation where the government or political system is unable to function effectively, leading to uncertainty and potential unrest. This can be caused by factors such as corruption, economic struggles, or social discontent, and can have significant implications for a country’s governance and socio-economic development.

Political instability can manifest in various forms, including frequent changes in leadership, civil unrest, and challenges to the rule of law. The presence of political instability can increase the risk for investors and businesses, impacting economic growth and overall stability.

Additionally, it can create social tensions and contribute to a sense of insecurity among citizens. Understanding the causes and consequences of political instability is crucial for policymakers and analysts in developing strategies to mitigate its effects and promote sustainable governance .

Defining Political Instability

Historical context.

Political instability, throughout history, has been a recurrent theme that has shaped the course of nations, leading to significant consequences. It has manifested in various forms such as civil unrest, coups, revolutions, and political turmoil. These upheavals have often resulted in societal upheaval and the collapse of established political systems. Instead of being an isolated occurrence, political instability has been a recurring phenomenon, often triggered by socioeconomic disparities, government oppression, or power struggles.

Contemporary Definition

In the modern context, political instability refers to the vulnerability of a government to internal and external threats, resulting in a lack of governance, uncertainty, and potential conflict. This can encompass a wide range of scenarios, including leadership changes, public protests, legislative gridlock, and diplomatic tensions. The contemporary understanding of political instability also considers the impact of globalization, technological advancements, and social media, which can amplify and spread disaffection among citizens at an unprecedented scale.

Key Indicators

• Erosion of public trust in government institutions
• Increasing frequency of protests and demonstrations
• Instability in the economy and financial markets
• Rising incidents of corruption and abuse of power
• Political polarization and social unrest

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Causes Of Political Instability

Political instability refers to the condition in a country where the government is either unable to maintain law and order or is facing a crisis that threatens its survival. Several factors contribute to political instability, including economic, social, and political elements. Understanding the causes of political instability can shed light on how to address and prevent such turmoil from occurring.

Economic Factors

The economy of a country plays a significant role in political stability. Economic disparities within a nation can lead to social unrest, as people may feel marginalized or disenfranchised. Unemployment, poverty, and inflation can also contribute to people’s dissatisfaction with the government, resulting in protests and demonstrations. Moreover, corruption and lack of economic opportunities further exacerbate economic instability, leading to a breakdown of the political system.

Social Factors

Social factors, such as inequality, discrimination, and social injustice , can fuel political instability. When certain groups within a society feel marginalized or oppressed, it can lead to social unrest and civil disobedience . Issues related to ethnicity, religion, and cultural differences can also contribute to societal divisions, creating a breeding ground for political instability.

Political Factors

The political environment of a country greatly influences its stability. Authoritarianism, lack of political freedom, and lack of transparency in governance can breed resentment and opposition. Additionally, weak political institutions and leadership , as well as political corruption and nepotism , can undermine a nation’s political stability. Moreover, political polarization and factionalism can create divisions within the government, leading to instability and a lack of effective governance.

Impact Of Political Instability

Political instability refers to uncertainty and unrest in the government, often leading to socioeconomic challenges and volatile conditions for citizens. It can disrupt businesses, investments, and overall stability in a country, impacting its development and growth. This turmoil can create a ripple effect, influencing international relations and global markets.

Impact of Political Instability

Political instability refers to a state of turmoil within a country or region, often characterized by civil unrest, protests, and uncertain governance. It can have far-reaching consequences that affect various aspects of society. Assessing the impact of political instability is crucial in understanding the broader implications it holds for a nation and its people.

Economic Repercussions

Political instability can significantly impede economic growth and development. Investment and business confidence may dwindle, leading to a decrease in foreign direct investment. Unemployment rates could surge as businesses scale back or shutter operations due to uncertainty, while currency devaluation and inflation may arise. This can contribute to a diminished GDP , further exacerbating social and financial challenges.

Social Disruptions

The fabric of society can be frayed by political instability, as it often gives rise to widespread discontent and divisiveness among the populace. Public services may become strained or disrupted, affecting essential sectors such as healthcare and education. With the potential for increased crime , and unrest , citizens may experience heightened levels of stress and anxiety, leading to significant disruptions in daily life.

Political Ramifications

Political instability can lead to a breakdown in governance , with corruption and mismanagement becoming more prevalent. Government legitimacy may be called into question, further eroding the trust of the people in their leaders. This can result in a struggle to maintain stability and security , potentially leading to outside intervention or conflict , exacerbating the situation.

Understanding the impacts of political instability is essential for recognizing the broader implications it holds for a nation and its people. From economic downturns and social tensions to political upheaval, the consequences of instability are wide-ranging and can persist for years.

Managing Political Instability

Welcome to the section on managing political instability. When it comes to dealing with political instability, it’s essential to implement effective strategies for sustainable solutions. Managing political instability involves diplomatic interventions, policy frameworks, and conflict resolution.

Diplomatic Interventions

Diplomatic interventions play a crucial role in managing political instability. This involves engaging with key stakeholders, including government officials, international organizations, and diplomatic envoys, to foster dialogue and negotiation. Strengthening diplomatic ties and building strategic relationships can help prevent conflicts and mitigate political instability.

Policy Frameworks

Developing robust policy frameworks is essential for managing political instability. Implementing effective governance structures and promoting transparency can help build trust within the society. Additionally, creating inclusive policies that address social and economic disparities can aid in reducing political tensions and promoting stability.

Conflict Resolution

Conflict resolution mechanisms are vital for managing political instability. Utilizing mediation and peacebuilding efforts can help de-escalate tensions and foster reconciliation. Implementing sustainable strategies to address underlying grievances and promote social cohesion is essential for long-term stability.

Global Perspective On Political Instability

Political instability is a global issue that has significant impacts on countries, regions, and the world at large. From historical case studies to current geopolitical implications, political instability has shaped the course of history and continues to influence international relations, economies, and societies worldwide.

Historical Case Studies

Historical case studies illustrate the long-standing impact of political instability on global affairs. For instance, the fall of the Roman Empire, the French Revolution, and the Cold War era are prime examples of how instability in governance, leadership, and societal unrest led to significant geopolitical shifts and long-term consequences. These instances highlight the importance of understanding historical precedents to navigate and assess current political challenges.

Current Geopolitical Implications

Current geopolitical implications of political instability are multifaceted and extend beyond individual nations. Global interdependence, trade relations, and security alliances are directly influenced by the political stability of countries. The Arab Spring, Brexit, and the ongoing tensions in the Korean Peninsula are palpable examples of how domestic political turbulence can reverberate across borders, impacting regional and global stability.

Frequently Asked Questions Of What Is Political Instability

What is political instability.

Political instability refers to the uncertain or volatile conditions within a country’s governance system. It encompasses frequent changes in leadership, social unrest, and economic turmoil, impacting the overall stability of the government and the society.

Why Does Political Instability Occur?

Political instability can stem from various factors, such as inadequate governance, economic inequality, corruption, and social discontent. These issues often lead to power struggles, protests, and civil unrest, ultimately destabilizing the political environment.

What Are The Impacts Of Political Instability?

Political instability can have wide-ranging effects on the economy, social cohesion, and international relations. It may deter foreign investment, hinder economic growth, and disrupt public services, leading to increased poverty and hardship for the population.

How Does Political Instability Affect Businesses?

Businesses are significantly impacted by political instability due to uncertainty in government policies, fluctuating regulatory environments, and potential disruptions in the supply chain. This can lead to operational challenges, reduced investment, and overall instability in the business environment.

In a world where stability is essential for progress, political instability presents significant challenges. The impact can be far-reaching, affecting economies, social structures, and international relations. As we navigate through these complexities, understanding and addressing the root causes of political instability become crucial for a sustainable and harmonious future.

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Research on political instability, uncertainty and risk during 1953–2019: a scientometric review

• Published: 14 March 2020
• Volume 123 , pages 1051–1076, ( 2020 )

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• Yingting Yi 1 ,
• Jiangshui Luo 2 &
• Michael Wübbenhorst 1  

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We are now living in an integrated world full of abrupt political events and socio-political uncertainty. A comprehensive scientometric review in this aspect is useful but lacked in the existing literature. This paper fills the void by using VOSviewer and CiteSpace to systematically analyze the 4200 papers on “political instability”, “political uncertainty” and “political risk” during 1953–2019 from Web of Science Core Collection. We present the annual distribution of papers, the related disciplines, the mainstream journals, hot topics, references with the strongest citation bursts, recent publications with transformative potentials, as well as the collaboration networks of authors, organizations and countries. The hot spots include (1) the causes and impact of political instability, (2) the relationship among political uncertainty, energy price and macroeconomic/financial factors, and (3) the determinants of foreign direct investments. Rangan Gupta from University of Pretoria in South Africa has the most publications in this field, while Witold J Henisz from University of Pennsylvania in the USA has the most citations. As the first endeavor to do comparative study of easily confused terminologies with bibliometric analysis, we find that though literature on “political instability” and “political risk” appeared earlier and have larger volume, research on “political uncertainty” is currently more active and catching up fast. Keywords with on-going citation bursts, two thirds of active co-citation clusters, and potentially transformative papers published recently are all related to political/policy uncertainty. The three strands of literature have obvious overlap and meanwhile their own special foci.

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Main areas of research on political instability, political uncertainty and political risk

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Data availability.

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

Abbreviations

Foreign direct investment

Economic policy uncertainty

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Acknowledgements

We greatly appreciate the valuable comments of the anonymous referee. This work was supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Number: 21776120).

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Yi, Y., Luo, J. & Wübbenhorst, M. Research on political instability, uncertainty and risk during 1953–2019: a scientometric review. Scientometrics 123 , 1051–1076 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11192-020-03416-6

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Environmental Threats and Political Instability Essay

Individuals worldwide are exposed to numerous threats, most of which are beyond their control. For example, the Coronavirus Pandemic ravaged populations and significantly impacted world economies. Similarly, some people suffer from the implications of natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, and tsunamis. However, the biggest threats and challenges to the world today arise from political instability and the effects of climate change, as the whole world is feeling the pinch of wars in some regions and the worsening environmental crisis. Nevertheless, security agreements, global human rights movements, and environmental agreements have greatly alleviated civic strife due to political crimes and encouraged governments to focus on environmental conservation.

The ever-increasing tension between global governments and nations with conflicting interests is one of the greatest risks to human security, democracy, and civil rights. Over the years, countries, particularly in the Middle East, have waged war against one another due to religious, cultural, and political differences (Henderson, 2009). Today, Russia, one of the world’s most powerful nations, has taken advantage of its powers to invade Ukraine and threaten any country that interferes with its actions (Mandelbaum, 2019). Therefore, building political tension between the US, European countries, Russia, and China is a significant threat to peace and harmony as it can plunge world governments into a destructive war and result in unimaginable losses.

Additionally, the impact of climate change is taking a toll on the global food production capacity and resulting in abnormal weather patterns worldwide. Researchers suggest that melting ice caps have increased groundwater levels, resulting in floods and heavy rains in some areas. At the same time, some regions on the globe are experiencing extended periods without rain, which limits their agricultural prospects (Cavicchioli et al., 2019). In addition, the changing weather patterns affect the quality of natural life as some plant and animal species can barely survive in their habitats (Henderson, 2009). Subsequently, the worsening environmental crisis may render the globe inhabitable and potentially wipe out the human race. Nevertheless, international actors have established strategies to limit adverse outcomes due to factors threatening human life.

Regardless of the complexities associated with environmental threats and global political instability, the international community has embarked on various mechanisms to prevent adverse outcomes and diminish the pace of escalations. The emergence of international human rights laws and movements such as the United Nations and NATO has improved individuals’ lives by limiting nations from doing as they please (Henderson, 2009). These movements call for all state actors to treat citizens according to stipulated human rights standards. Similarly, institutions like United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) create awareness and advocate for collaborative approaches to dealing with climate change issues, pollution, natural life, and sustainable development (Cavicchioli et al., 2019). Thus, international organizations drive positive change in human development and limit potential crises.

Peace, harmony, and living in a rich and conducive environment are critical components in human advancement and continuous development. However, destructive individuals’ action in the environment and political instability due to selfish interests put others at harm and threatens the existence of the human race. However, international non-governmental organizations and bodies like the UN, NATO, and UNEP address various areas of these issues using powers accorded to them by agreements and state treaties. Hence, they play a major role in preventing the escalation of conflicts into wars, environmental destruction, and human rights crimes, which are today’s major threats.

Cavicchioli, R., Ripple, W. J., Timmis, K. N., Azam, F., Bakken, L. R., Baylis, M.,… & Webster, N. S. (2019). Scientists’ warning to humanity: microorganisms and climate change . Nature Reviews Microbiology , 17 (9), 569–586. Web.

Henderson, C. W. (2009). Understanding international law . John Wiley & Sons.

Mandelbaum, M. (2019). The new containment: handling Russia, China, and Iran . Foreign Aff. , 98 , 123. Web.

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CONFLICTS AND POLITICAL INSTABILITY IN NIGERIA: A CRITICAL DISCOURSE INTRODUCTION

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This paper examines the political violence and democratic stability in Nigeria. The paper is written against the backdrop that, periodic elections are fundamental to the principles of democracy. Thus, political violence has been a major roadblock to democratic stability in Nigeria. The paper argues that the Nigerian democratic project has been under perpetual threat since 1999 when the country returned to democratic governance. However, the excitement and euphoria that greeted the country's return to democracy in 1999 has drastically waned creating fear in the polity. The methodology adopted focuses on the secondary data and insights were drawn extensively from the conflict theorists. The paper revealed that the realization of democratic objective or stability depends solely on free, fair and credible elections. The paper therefore recommends among others, that politicians should not use ethnicity and religion to galvanize support and polarize the populace through politics of religious deception and ethnic chauvinism which have stirred up sentiments and sparked communal violence perennially in Nigeria. Fundamentally too, the federal and state governments should publicly condemn discrimination on the basis of 'indigene' or 'non-indigene' status and accord all Nigerians full citizenship status and make them eligible to enjoy all political and ultimately dissuade inclinations for political violence. Introduction It is apposite to state that political violence is the hallmarks of weakly institutionalize politics. The starkest manifestation of such violence is armed conflict in the form of civil war. Though elections which are supposed to be a significant pillar in the democratic process of a country with the twin principles of political participation and accountability is precisely in the greatest and most notable violations of the occurrence of this principles. Everyone wants to win, and

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Segun Joshua

Idayat Hassan , Chijioke Iwuamadi

The disparities between the political elite and general population cuts across North-South dichotomy and inequalities in Nigerian society. This situation has resulted in a range of issues including ethnic divide and agitation, radicalisation and violent extremism. The analysis of empirical data used in the paper benefited more from political economy paradigm within conflict analysis context. The paper argues that, the existence of a range of militia groups across the country, corruption, as well as the pronounced threat of Islamic radicalisation and Boko Haram has continued to be major obstacles to national security, economic development and security of nationals. Also, why has scramble for resources between herdsmen and local farmers, resulting in pastoral crises and disruption of economic activities in the affected north central and partly southeast communities continues to truncate peaceful co-existence? These and many more critical national questions are yet to be adequately addressed and why they keep reoccurring. The paper found out that triggers of conflict across the country include: suspected political assassinations, abductions, tortures, and extra-judicial killings; deployment of state power and use public forces for personal rather than public ends; violation of the rule of law; and abuse of civil and human rights. In addressing these issues, the paper strongly suggests that, the Nigerian Inter-Religious Council, together with relevant Faith-Based Organisations and Civil Society Organisations must constantly engage in dialogue with the various religious and community leaders, while also serving as a platform for conflict analysis and early warning on religious, ethnic and communal violence. On the part of government, there is a need for the development of a long-term strategy for the management of religious and communal conflicts.

Wukari International Studies Series - HandBook on Conflict Prevention in Nigeria (Edited - Prof. Joel Patrick Dada, Dr. Shishi Zhema, Ochoga Edwin Ochoga

Olawale O . Akinrinde, PhD.

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Essay on Political Instability: A hurdle in National Development for Class 10, 12 and Mains Exam

Essay on political instability: a hurdle in national development for class 10, 12, mains exam (upsc, psc, ssc).

Political instability has become a severe conundrum for both developing and under developing country.Dictatorship is one of the major causes of political instability as it cripples the institution of leadership. Pakistan has political instability as it is forming coalition among many political parties. When the natural tendency of the government collapses due to conflict between the political parties or uncontrolled competition among them. Political instability is a persistent processand it affects the functioning of the economy. Political upheavals in society such as assassinations, demonstrations show political instability.In a political instable condition, the people cannot use powers for the development of the nation, they lose faith ion the government and chooses their own interest over the state.

How political instability creates a hurdle?

Political instability is considered a malaise for economic development. It leads to the frequent changes of policies, thus affecting the macroeconomic performance negatively. Political instability is measured by the Cabinet changes i.e the number of times in which a new premiere is named.Political instability affects the GDP growth of the nation.  The five domains that create political instability in a state are Identity crisis, legitimacy crisis, participation crisis, penetration crisis and distribution crisis. Economic growth and political instability are deeply interconnected. Poor economic performance causes the government to change thereby leading to political unrest. Political environment that is unstable reduces income and the pace of economic growth. Political instability deters many countries from supporting the innovative activities of the enterprises. Scientific institutions of the country are harmed by the political instability and the innovativeness of the enterprises are also crippled. It creates budget shortage at enterprise and national levels and cripples the collaboration between enterprises and academicians. It also shortens the government spending on the technological developments and damages the quality of education. The ever-increasing corruption and political instability by affecting the governmental revenue, income distribution, and investment in many under developing countries. Increased corruption in politically unstable countries creates hindrance for the foreign business enterprises. This deters free flow of goods and ideas and diminishes the innovativeness of the business enterprises that would otherwise have brought national development to the country.

Effects of political instability:

The effects of political instability are as follows:

• It affects the economic development of the country that obstructs the developmental plans.
• It destroys the states resources and revenues needed for economic growth.
• It misuses public expenditure and weakens the states income.
• It undermines the government’s responsibility of implementing state public policy.
• It spreads rumors about the states rule of law.
• It damages the political stability by weakening the democratic system.
• It undermines the monitoring of the activities of the public and private sectors activity.
• Due to injustice and inequality, it creates hatred among social classes.
• It undermines the national security due to the prevalent corruptions.

Conclusion:

Political instability acts a hurdle in the national development of the country. The economic growth and the GDP come to a standstill. Problems such as corruption and unemployment arise due to political instability. People lose faith in the government and the entire administration gets crippled.

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Political Instability (Essay Sample)

Political instability.

Political instability has crippled the normal functioning of authorities in Pakistan for more than six decades. Since the beginning of political instability, the country has not been able to get rid of some of the main causes and propellers of the problems. Such factors include coexistence of communities who live in hostility, historical factors, tribal systems and partisan segregation. The country has not been able to regain political stability because of conflicts constitutionally, lack of democracy where people can freely express their will, economic turbulence, and absence of social growth. As a consequence, the public does not have an opportunity to be educated on how to hold their leaders accountable for anything they do.

Some factors have significantly contributed to the rise of lack of democracy. The policy makers politicized these issues with an aim of introducing democratic systems in Pakistan but only ended up promoting non-democratic elements such as the army. Such factors include territorial conflicts with India, the large existence of social-economic differences among the citizens, power struggle among the provinces and also the early death of Mohammad Ali Jinnah who was the founder of Pakistan.

The system in Pakistan dictates that the winner takes everything and the loser has nothing. Every political side fights so hard to take power for the benefits that come with it. All successive civilian and military leaders have practiced this form of governing hence not offering long-term solutions to the people of Pakistan. The Muslim League which fought hard to have independence in Pakistan lacked democracy within itself. The members of the Muslim League, therefore, brought independence but with ill intentions to benefit themselves. The ten-year history between 1947 and 1956 lacked a guiding constitution and was an insincere exercise by the political leaders. The consequence was an invocation of the military who interfered with political systems.

The judiciary system has done little to help the country stabilize. It has in fact promoted the instability by taking double stances in historical matters. It is, therefore, vulnerable to political interference and has bowed in to pressure. On most occasions, the judiciary has encouraged dictators to assume power in ways that are seen as legal when in actual sense they are not. Besides, the structure of Pakistan state is very dynamic hence it prevents any democratic achievements established in the country. Pakistan has provinces divided based on ethnic boundaries. Consequently, ethnic dimensions have a significant impact on political loyalties since the central governments have the urge to be in control and manage the ethnic diversity.

Closely related to ethnic diversity is violent politics in the struggle for power. There is no exercise of patience among the citizens and leaders as required in democracies. The fear of losing drives people to violence which has a direct consequence on the economy. There is a high rate of inflation, high-income inequality among the citizens since the elite own too much yet the common citizens live in extreme poverty, negative financing to the government and also extreme deficiency of expenditure on infrastructure systems and education.

There are various steps that can be taken in order to revive political stability in Pakistan. The main areas of target should be introducing major reforms in the judiciary, establishment of an independent commission to be in charge of elections, promoting internal party elections as a way of establishing internal democracy, promoting freedom of the Press, better division of the provinces to promote peaceful coexistence among different communities, strict adherence to the constitution and protection of civil societies and other minorities.

Political Instability in Pakistan: Causes, Impacts, and Remedies

• Syed Muhammad Hamza
• March 26, 2022
• Daily Write-Ups , Opinions , Pakistan's Domestic Affairs , Pakistani Society
• 41849 Views

Political Instability in Pakistan: Causes, Impacts, and Remedies | Best for CSS, PMS Current Affairs, Pakistan Affairs, and Essay Papers

The answer is solved by Syed Muhammad Hamza on the given pattern, which  Sir Syed Kazim Ali  teaches to his students, who consistently score the maximum because of their attempting the questions.

Introduction:

Unfortunately, in Pakistan, the political instability has proved itself detrimental to the socio-economic health of the country. Its impacts:

• Destroying national integrity
• Halting economic growth and burgeoning terrorism can be mitigated by enforcing constitutional laws
• Building the concept of national integrity
• Conducting transparent elections in the state

2- CURRENT SITUATION 

• Killing the national integrity
• Escalating terrorism and extremism 
• Decreasing Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)
• Declining the healthy political environment  
• The centralization of power
• The trend of family leadership
• The, nearly, three decades of dictatorship
• An aggressive style of politics

5- REMEDIES

• To conduct transparent and unbiased elections
• To build the concept of national integrity
• To work mutually for the betterment of Pakistan
• To enforce constitutional laws in the true sense 
• To encourage public participation 

6- CRITICAL ANALYSIS 

7- CONCLUSION

Answer to the Question

Introduction

Undoubtedly, political instability has caused great havoc around the globe. It jolts a state socially, politically, and, most importantly, economically. Similarly, Pakistan has faced several issues because of political instability. Where it hampered the state’s political environment, it has stricken its economy. The decline of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) has been the most significant impact on the economic arena of the polity. Moreover, it has also emerged as a terrible weapon to kill the concept of national integrity. However, several factors are pushing Pakistan towards political instability:

• The regimes of dictatorship
• The aggressive style of leadership

Nevertheless, to mitigate the political instability in Pakistan, conducting transparent elections, working mutually for the betterment of Pakistan by the political parties, enforcing constitutional laws, and encouraging the active role of the public would be immensely helpful. This answer discusses the causes and impacts of the malice and recommends the measures required to eradicate it. 

At present, the issue of political instability has become a matter of grave concern for Pakistan. It manifests in multiple ways across the country, including widespread political corruption, nepotism, cronyism and abuse of power. As a result, it has cast dire consequences on the state’s social, political, and economic peace. For instance, the recent formation of the Pakistan Democratic Movement has created great havoc across the state. Moreover, the threat of “sit-ins and the march towards the parliament” has disturbed political peace and economic development. Thus, the government has to find a way of positive political settlement.  

The political instability has curbed Pakistan’s progress socially, politically, and economically. With the rise of political instability, political polarization has prevailed intensely amongst the political parties. As a matter of fact, when various parties with different slogans step into politics for their vested interests, the concept of national integrity starts to vanish. Since Pakistan is composed of multiple ethnic, linguistic, and religious groups, the element of national integrity has been a dream for Pakistanis. Taking advantage of the situation, anti-Pakistani agencies exploit the situation to spread terrorism and extremism. As a consequence of terrorism and extremism, the country’s economy receives a fragile inflow of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI); thus, the state’s economy suffers badly. Nonetheless, the political instability also bred a volatile political environment in the state on the basis of the undemocratic practices. Thus, political stability has laden the state in several ways.    

Pakistan has suffered political instability for several decades. There are multiple reasons behind the menace. First, the duel of power between the federal and provincial governments has been the paramount reason. It has been the dominant reason behind the political riots and inefficient governing system that always fails to implement laws within the appropriate time. Second, the trend of family leadership has distorted the political fabric of the state. Third, for several decades, Pakistan has witnessed the leadership of three major parties: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML– N), and Pakistan Tehreek Insaaf (PTI). Despite multiple failures of the political parties to uplift Pakistan, ruling the country more than once reflects the perpetual power game played secretly by the nation. Moreover, for around thirty years, the regimes of dictatorship have haphazard the political system of Pakistan. As a result, the civil-military relationship has been fragile and incompetent. Nevertheless, the aggressive style of politics has also ruined the state’s political stability. Revoking the nation’s emotions in the name of caste, creed, and religion to gather votes has been common. 

To fix the issue, Pakistan must ensure a transparent election system. By implementing transparency, the true elected political party could get a chance to serve the country. Moreover, this may also help to end dynastic politics. Additionally, building unity and national integrity concepts amongst the public may help set aside ethnic and linguistic differences so that the political leaders don’t further exploit the nation for their political interests. National integrity in the state would push the political parties to work in favour of the state. Moreover, the enforcement of constitutional law in a true spirit and adequately working government can turn the tide and put the country on the right track. Similarly, encouraging public participation may help pluck the country out of the political darkness. The active role of the public in politics would hold politicians accountable for each immature and self-interest policy. As a result, the political parties would restrain themselves from skipping the pro-state attitude. Thus, the abovementioned steps may help the country eradicate political instability.  

Nothing hurts a country’s socio-economic fabric the way political instability does. Unfortunately, Pakistan being a democratic country, has witnessed a large number of events of political instability. As a matter of fact, the country has perceived the martial-law for around three decades, giving a huge blow to the democratic system of the polity. Moreover, the inadequate and vulnerable civil-military relationship has led the country to political instability. Thus, political instability is one of the factors behind the stagnant growth of Pakistan in the social, political, and economic arenas.

Distorting the national integrity, escalating terrorism and extremism, decreasing Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), and declining the political health of the state are some disturbing impacts of political instability. Moreover, it has robbed the nation’s bright future and has pushed the state to the brink of implosion. However, conducting transparent and unbiased elections, building the concept of national integrity, enforcing constitutional laws in a true sense and encouraging public participation may turn helpful for controlling the issue. Moreover, each political party must follow a positive and pro-state attitude while dealing with the country’s political matters.  

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Political Instability in Pakistan: Issues, Challenges, and Way forward

The following article is written by Anam Saba , a student of Sir Syed Kazim Ali . Moreover, the article is written on the same pattern, taught by Sir Kazim to his students, scoring the highest marks in compulsory subjects for years. Therefore, to help thousands of CSS and PMS aspirants, we have uploaded this article so they can understand how to crack a topic or a question, how to write relevantly, what coherence is, and how to include and connect ideas, opinions, and suggestions to score the maximum.

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  Nothing hurts the world socially, economically, politically, and technologically the way political instability does. It not only hinders economic progress but also distorts the social fabric of a nation. Political stability is indispensable for the prosperity of a nation. Progressive political reforms ensure stability, peace and a thriving human culture. Political stability is the backbone of a nation. It is a fact that the reason for a country’s progress is not its economy; however, it is the political leadership that makes a country prosper and succeed. In the present world, only those countries lag socially, politically and economically, which neglects the importance of prudent political leadership. As a matter of fact, unlike many other developing countries, the economic growth in Pakistan has remained stagnant. Despite having the world’s best canal system, profitable geo-strategic location, and a lot of unexplored natural resources, the leadership has failed to deliver. Pakistan has experienced rising poverty and a shrinking economy for various political leadership reasons, such as fragmented leadership, inefficient political parties, and dysfunction of the federal system. Consequently, the country has faced multiple challenges of a lingering economy, lowering foreign direct investment, and rising inflation. Through the collaborated efforts of government, opposition, public parts and political will, soon Pakistan will surely make its way to the heights of development and prosperity.

“There is no stability without solidarity and no solidarity without stability.”

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  Currently,  the politicians are more interested in blame games, with the opposition, instead of introducing some unique and good strategies to improve the governance structure in Pakistan. Shortly, the power lust of politicians overpowered the country’s national interest. Nonetheless, collaborated efforts on government, opposition, and public parts are imperative to root out all undemocratic traits to make the country’s political culture consensual.

Table of Contents

There are many factors calling forth the political instability in Pakistan, but some prominent causes are given here.

First,  national disintegration is the fundamental one in this regard. In Pakistan, a multi-ethnic society, political instability is more severe due to people of diverse cultural attributes. Additionally, being a part of a multi-ethnic society, all sections of society do not get their due shares and are unsatisfied and powerless, lose their trust in institutions, and they prefer their interests in front of the state, and ultimately society leads to a split.

Second,  political instability in the context of the identity and legitimacy crisis in Pakistan has escalated mainly due to the effects of increasing socio-political mobilization and the extravagant and disorganized role of civil and military bureaucracy, which has prejudiced the whole political order of the country. Moreover, due to the splitting of the institutions of leadership into the levels of ethnic, religious, and provincial, the legitimacy and identity crisis started and, by the passage of time, gained momentum, and the theme of national leadership was lost in these various leadership levels. Consequently, the fragmentation in the administration gave birth to the crisis of identity and legitimacy and aggravated it daily.

Third,  the inefficient role and weak political organization of political parties in Pakistan are also major contributing factors to the political instability in the country. Moreover, this vulnerable organization and inefficiency of the political parties pave the way for a coalition of governments. Thus, each government exerts their whole energy to maintain the coalition setup and remains under continuous pressure from its partners. In this way, it affects policy-making in both internal and external arenas and hinders the successful implementation of domestic and foreign policy, which requires strong support from people. Resultantly, the inefficiency of political parties does not provide a platform; instead, they split and exploit public opinion for their interest. Moreover, due to a lack of education, people do not have any clear choice among the same parties, and they cannot use their political rights; therefore, they do not depend on old parties and make a party of their own.

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Last but not least,  the dysfunction of the federal system is also a significant factor that worsened the political instability in the country. Moreover, due to faults in the maintenance of the federal system, the people of various cultures exerted to obtain a separate homeland where they could live according to their cultural norms and prosper.

“The murder of Pakistan’s first prime minister heralded the imminent derailment of the political process and the onset of a brutal political culture of assassinations, sustained by the state’s direct or indirect complicity.” Ayesha Jalal

Following are the major challenges, highlighting the severity of political instability in Pakistan.

It is a fact that political stability and economic growth are closely interlinked. On the one hand, political instability may decrease investment, ultimately slowing economic development. On the other hand, a financial crisis may lead to political unrest and government failure or downfall. In addition, political instability also discourages foreign direct investment because social unrest and political turmoil discourage investors, which decreases economic growth.

Moreover, political instability also flourishes corruption. It causes uncertainty in the country, weakens the institutions, and weak institutions are a crucial factor in enabling corruption due to low checks and balances on institutions. Moreover, if a country is politically unstable, the short-term decision-making increases the likelihood of corruption.

Furthermore, political instability is prevailing mistrust in society because it splits society on various grounds. Due to the dissatisfaction of all sections of society with the actions of governments, the situation of mistrust prevails and escalates daily. Consequently, personal interests overcome national interests, making the country more vulnerable to internal and external negative forces.

Last but not least, rising inflation and unemployment is also undesirable and detrimental to the country’s political instability, creating social unrest and uncertainty among the masses. This unrest may lead to violence against government policies. Likewise, the reduction in investments decreases economic growth. As a result, the weak government fulfils the demand for public expenditure through inflation taxes.

“My biggest challenge is how we can improve state institutions and governance, so we can tap our potential.” Imran Khan

Way forwards

The following  measures  may enhance political stability in Pakistan. To enhance the quality and stability of political system in Pakistan, quality education is a crucial factor that helps the effective implementation of the national policy on education by adequate provision of resources. Moreover, sincere and patriotic leadership is necessary to improve the political stability in the country because sincere leadership provides all basic requirements to their citizens. Furthermore, the state’s prosperity, stability, and economy are interlinked with the strength of the political system. So, a stable political system is a cure for all possible challenges that arise from political instability. In addition, the solution to political instability can be achieved by solving the institutions’ legitimacy and the ruler’s personal legitimacy. Lastly, building trust among provinces is also essential to overcome the instability issue in the country. In this regard, political parties should adopt a positive approach to the national interest.

Critical Analysis

To analyze critically, political instability has become a severe problem in developing countries, especially in Pakistan. It is disturbing the social fabric of the nation and delaying its development. Political instability hinders keeping society united and maintaining legitimacy within the state. The imposing tower of the issue, which today rests in the heart of Pakistan, has its sole foundation in the absence of a stable political system. In a nutshell, there is a dire need for solid determination and political will to strengthen the political system.

In a nutshell, the prevalent political instability issue in Pakistan has eroded the socio-economic fabric, leaving the country into social, political, and economic turmoil. It gives a death blow to Pakistan’s economy. Although the suggested measures cannot bring change overnight, the challenge must be accepted. Progress will likely be frustratingly slow, but these steps will ensure accelerated and visible improvement if appropriately executed.

“Pakistan’s future viability, stability and security lie in empowering its people and building political institutions. My goal is to prove that the fundamental battle for the hearts and minds of a generation can be accomplished only under democracy.” Benazir Bhutto

About The Author

Anam Saba is a student of Sir Syed Kazim Ali. . She is Pakistan’s youngest blogger, reviewer, and writer. She loves writing reviews, blogs, and articles on various topics: current affairs, technology, everyday science, history, clothing, and entertainment. Moreover, she writes honest reviews about different clothing brands. Due to her unique writing style, she has been followed by thousands of youngsters in Pakistan. Additionally, she helps competitive aspirants in their studies and exam preparation. Apart from this, she has been engaged in writing articles and blogs on various topics to help her readers always know the best.

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The following are the some solved questions attempted by Sir Kazim Ali’s students who scored the highest marks in compulsory subjects. Click on any to land Cssprepforum , Pakistan’s largest CSS and PMS exams preparatory website, and start learning. All the questions have their breakdowns, outlines, and solutions.

• Critically examine the Congress Ministries of 1937. How far is it correct to suggest that it paved the way for a separate Muslim homeland in India? (CSS 2019)
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• Discuss the Significance of Renewable Energy Resources for Pakistan. (CSS 2021)
• How the reform movement of Sheikh Ahmed Sirhindi influenced the history of Muslim India? (CSS 2020)
• The Objectives Resolution (1949) satisfied both orthodox and modernists by combining the features of western and Islamic democracy. (CSS 2020)
• How Did The Reform Movement Of Shaikh Ahmad Sirhindi Influence The History Of Muslim India?
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• Write A Comprehensive Note On Unemployment In Pakistan And Its Social, Political, And Economic Impacts (CSS 2020)
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• How Far The Nature Of The Center Province Relation Has Changed Under Various Constitutional Amendments? Evaluate (CSS 2019)
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• What Were The Effects Of Reforms Of Shaykh Ahmad Sirhindi On Muslim Society?

About the author

Anam Saba is a student of Sir Syed Kazim Ali.. She is Pakistan’s youngest blogger, reviewer, and writer. She loves writing reviews, blogs, and articles on various topics: current affairs, technology, everyday science, history, clothing, and entertainment. Moreover, she writes honest reviews about different clothing brands. Due to her unique writing style, she has been followed by thousands of youngsters in Pakistan. Additionally, she helps competitive aspirants in their studies and exam preparation. Apart from this, she has been engaged in writing articles and blogs on various topics to help her readers always know the best.

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How the Movie ‘Civil War’ Echoes Real Political Anxieties

“Civil War” has tapped into a dark set of national angst. In polls and in interviews, a segment of voters say they fear the country’s divides may lead to actual, not just rhetorical, battles.

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By Lisa Lerer

One subject seems to be unifying the right and the left today: Disunion.

From the multiplex to social media, the prospect of America collapsing into armed conflict has moved from being an idea on the tinfoil-hat fringes to an active undercurrent of the country’s political conversation.

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And “Civil War,” a dystopian action film about an alternative America plunged into a bloody domestic conflict, has topped box office sales for two consecutive weekends. The movie has outperformed expectations at theaters from Brownsville, Texas, to Boston, tapping into a dark set of national anxieties that took hold after the Jan. 6, 2021, storming of the Capitol.

Of course, the notion of a future civil war remains a mere notion. But, as another presidential election approaches, it has suddenly become a hotly debated one, reflecting the bipartisan sense of unease that has permeated American politics. In polls and in interviews , a segment of voters have said they fear that the country’s divides have grown so deep that they may lead not just to rhetorical battles but actual ones.

“I personally do not believe we will descend into a formal armed civil war,” said Maya Wiley, who ran for mayor of New York City in 2021 and now serves as the president of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, a civil rights group that has fielded several polls on the topic. “But it’s in the air. It doesn’t surprise me at all that we’re seeing a very explicit fear of where things could go.”

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Mr. Trump has glorified the Jan. 6 rioters as patriots and maintained his false claims that the 2020 election was stolen from him. When the former president was asked last August by Tucker Carlson whether the country was headed to open conflict, he declined to directly answer.

“I don’t know,” Mr. Trump said. “There’s a level of passion that I’ve never seen. There’s a level of hatred that I’ve never seen, and that’s probably a bad combination.”

The film has no grounding in such partisan politics. The sides are unclear and the ideology — a “Western Alliance” of secessionists from California and Texas — is impossible to imagine given the stark partisan divides between the states. No details are given about the cause of the conflict or the different visions each side has for the future of the country. There’s no mention of Congress, the courts or other civic institutions other than the presidency and references to the F.B.I.

That political vagueness was an intentional choice by the British writer and director, Alex Garland, who began working on the film in 2020 before the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol. “I’d say this film is about checks and balances: polarization, division, the way populist politics leads toward extremism, where extremism itself will end up and where the press is in all of that,” Mr. Garland told The New York Times .

His goal was to create a movie that could illustrate the risks of polarization — not just in the United States but globally — and reach the widest audience possible, said Eric Schultz, a Democratic strategist who met with Mr. Garland in the fall of 2021 and worked as a consultant for the film.

The opaque politics have helped the movie attract an audience that bridges political divides. Exit interviews conducted for A24, the studio that produced the movie, found that half of moviegoers identified as “liberal” and half as “conservative,” according to a person with knowledge of the film’s performance in various markets.

The film outperformed expectations in traditionally conservative markets like Oklahoma City and Colorado Springs, as well as more liberal ones like Portland, Ore. In Phoenix and Dallas, a majority of filmgoers identified as moderate or conservative. The top reason viewers cited for seeing the movie was not an interest in independent cinema or action films but the “political dystopian story line.”

The interest in political chaos tracks with a growing body of research showing a dramatic uptick in public fears of violence.

The polling by Ms. Wiley’s organization found that 53 percent of likely voters believed the country was on the path to a second Civil War.

Other surveys show related concerns. Forty-nine percent of adults said they expected violence from the losing side in future elections, in a poll conducted by CBS/YouGov this year. And a survey by The Associated Press/NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that majorities of both Democratic and Republican adults said American democracy could be at risk depending on who won the next election.

Jess Morales Rocketto, a leader of Equis Research, which studies Latino voters , said discussion of a civil war could stem from more of a feeling of insecurity than a reality for voters.

“I think that people believe we are on the brink of civil war,” she said. “When people say stuff like civil war, World War III, what they mean is volatility and instability. They are saying, ‘I feel unsafe.’”

But Barbara F. Walter, a political scientist at the University of California, San Diego, who studies civil wars, says the prospect of such a conflict isn’t just metaphorical. She believes the country is facing a decade or two of political instability and violence that could include assassinations of politicians or judges and the rise of militia groups.

The movie’s realistic portrayal of such violence taking place in deeply American settings — a golf course, a roadside gas station, the Lincoln Memorial — put the scenes of violence Americans associate more with foreign conflicts into sharper relief, she said.

“This notion that America could never have a civil war; we’ve already had a really, really big one,” said Ms. Walter, the author of “How Civil Wars Start.” “There’s a sense of naiveté, of innocence, that we’re too good for that sort of stuff. We’re not.”

David Mandel, a producer and writer on the television show “Veep,” said the most successful movies and shows about American political life had a “reciprocal relationship” with public opinion about politics. His show, a comedy about a bumbling vice president that began during the Obama administration, was based on the idea that politicians behaved differently in private, and that a miscalculated public remark could lead to their political destruction. As president, Mr. Trump routinely defied that norm, and “Veep” ended before he left the White House.

“By a couple of weeks into the Trump administration, there was no ‘behind closed doors’ and there was no such thing as comeuppance,” Mr. Mandel said. “The show became impossible to do.”

David W. Blight, a historian at Yale University who specializes in the Civil War period, said he did not believe the country stood on the precipice of another one. But if the country were to reach that point, he said, the conflict could share more with the movie version than the historical one.

The Civil War was a regional and ideological crisis that featured some of the largest armies ever formed, he said. A second one would most likely be far more local and vigilante, and stirred by increasing polarization and institutional mistrust.

“For the last couple of years, there’s been all this chatter and a few books out about whether the U.S. is on the brink of a new civil war, and you have to keep telling people, ‘Well no, not in the way you may think about it,’” he said. “Our real Civil War blinds us in that sense.”

Lisa Lerer is a national political reporter for The Times, based in New York. She has covered American politics for nearly two decades. More about Lisa Lerer

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The Americas

The announcement of a new prime minister divides haiti's transitional council.

The Associated Press

Transitional Council members, from left to right; Fritz Alphonse Jean, Laurent Saint-Cyr, Frinel Joseph, Edgard Leblanc Fils, Regine Abraham, Emmanuel Vertilaire, Smith Augustin, Leslie Voltaire and Louis Gerald Gilles, pose for a group photo after a ceremony to name its president and a prime minister in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Tuesday, April 30, 2024. Odelyn Joseph/AP hide caption

Transitional Council members, from left to right; Fritz Alphonse Jean, Laurent Saint-Cyr, Frinel Joseph, Edgard Leblanc Fils, Regine Abraham, Emmanuel Vertilaire, Smith Augustin, Leslie Voltaire and Louis Gerald Gilles, pose for a group photo after a ceremony to name its president and a prime minister in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Tuesday, April 30, 2024.

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — A surprise announcement that revealed Haiti's new prime minister is threatening to fracture a recently installed transitional council tasked with choosing new leaders for the gang-riddled Caribbean country.

Four of seven council members with voting powers said Tuesday that they had chosen Fritz Bélizaire as prime minister, taking many Haitians aback with their declaration and unexpected political alliance.

The council members who oppose Bélizaire, who served as Haiti's sports minister during the second presidency of René Préval from 2006 to 2011, are now weighing options including fighting the decision or resigning from the council.

Edgard Leblanc Fils, left, and Smith Augustin prepare to pose for a group photo with the transitional council after it named Fils as its president in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Tuesday, April 30, 2024. Odelyn Joseph/AP hide caption

Edgard Leblanc Fils, left, and Smith Augustin prepare to pose for a group photo with the transitional council after it named Fils as its president in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Tuesday, April 30, 2024.

A person with direct knowledge of the situation who did not want to be identified because negotiations are ongoing said the council's political accord had been violated by the unexpected move and that some council members are considering other choices as potential prime minister.

The council on Tuesday was scheduled to hold an election and choose its president. But two hours and a profuse apology later, one council member said that not only a council president had been chosen, but a prime minister as well. Murmurs rippled through the room.

The Montana Accord, a civil society group represented by a council member with voting powers, denounced in a statement late Tuesday what it called a "complot" hatched by four council members against the Haitian people "in the middle of the night."

"The political and economic mafia forces have decided to take control of the presidential council and the government so that they can continue to control the state," the Montana Accord said.

Haitian politics have long been characterized by secretive dealings, but many worry the country cannot afford further political instability as gangs lay siege to the capital of Port-au-Prince and beyond.

"People change parties (like) they're changing their shirts," said François Pierre-Louis, a professor of political science at Queens College in New York and former Haitian politician.

He spoke during an online webinar on Tuesday evening.

Like others, he said he believed that Jean-Charles Moïse, a powerful politician who was a former senator and presidential candidate, was behind Bélizaire's nomination.

Haiti's Prime Minister Ariel Henry has resigned as a transitional council takes over

"Interestingly, Moïse, of all the politicians there, is the one calling the shots," Pierre-Louis said.

Moïse, however, does not sit on the council. His party, Pitit Desalin, is represented by Emmanuel Vertilaire, who is among the four council members who support Bélizaire.

The others are Louis Gérald Gilles, Smith Augustin and Edgard Leblanc Fils, the council's new president.

They could not be immediately reached for comment.

Fils represents the January 30 political group, which is made up of parties including PHTK, whose members include former President Michel Martelly and slain President Jovenel Moïse. Meanwhile, Augustin represents the EDE/RED political party, founded by former Prime Minister Claude Joseph, and Gilles represents the Dec. 21 agreement, which is associated with f ormer Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who recently resigned.

A document shared with The Associated Press and signed by the four council members who chose the new prime minister state they have agreed to make decisions by consensus. The document is titled, "Constitution of an Indissoluble Majority Bloc within the Presidential Council."

Henry was on an official visit to Kenya to push for the U.N.-backed deployment of a police force from the East African country when gangs in Haiti launched coordinated attacks starting Feb. 29.

They have burned police stations, opened fire on the main international airport that remains closed since early March and stormed Haiti's two biggest prisons, releasing more than 4,000 inmates. The violence continues unabated in certain part of Port-au-Prince, including the area around the National Palace.

Haitians are demanding that security be a top priority for the council, which is tasked with selecting a new prime minister and Cabinet, as well as prepare for eventual general elections.

But some Haitians are wary of the council and the decisions it's taking.

Jean Selcé, a 57-year-old electrician, noted that most of the council members are longtime politicians: "Their past is not really positive."

"I hope their mentality can change, but I don't believe it will," he said. "They don't really love the country. Who's dying right now? It's Haitians like me."

Robert Fatton, a Haitian politics expert at the University of Virginia, noted that some of the parties represented on the council are responsible for the current chaos in Haiti.

A portrait of Haitians trying to survive without a government

"It's a contradiction," he said. "Every time we seem to be in a crisis, we reappoint the same people and hope that they change their ways, but they do not."

Raising the same criticism is Michael Deibert, author of "Notes From the Last Testament: The Struggle for Haiti," and "Haiti Will Not Perish: A Recent History."

He noted in a recent essay that the council is "dominated by the same political currents who have spent the last 25 years driving Haiti over a cliff, taking advantage of impoverished young men in the slums to be used as political bludgeons before - bloated on the proceeds from kidnapping, extortion, drug trafficking and other criminal enterprises - these groups outgrew the necessity of their patrons."

More than 2,500 people have been killed or injured across Haiti from January to March, according to the U.N.

In addition, more than 90,000 people have fled Port-au-Prince in just one month given the relentless gang violence.