Archive · 26 Dec 2025
2026 Civil Unrest Predictions Highlight Youth Misery
A new report says that in 2026, there might be more protests and unrest in many countries.
This is because young people are having a hard time.
In some places like Zimbabwe and Argentina, the problems are very bad.
Many young people don't have jobs or are going to school, and the cost of living is going up.
This makes people unhappy and can lead to protests.
The report says the United States, Indonesia, and Israel are also at risk because of political fights and money problems.
The United States, Indonesia, and Israel face higher unrest risk due to political polarization and cost-of-living issues.
Zimbabwe and Argentina show significant increases in youth misery, with index rises of 152% and 103% respectively.
Globally, one in four young people are neither employed nor in education or training, pushing many into low-paying jobs during inflation.
The International Labour Organization highlights the severe impact of youth unemployment and inflation on global instability.
Generational divides and political polarization are key drivers of predicted civil unrest in 2026.
- Who
- Young people in developed and emerging markets, particularly in the United States, Indonesia, Israel, Zimbabwe, Argentina, Turkey, Suriname, Iran, and Angola
- What
- Predictions for increased civil unrest in 2026 due to youth misery and economic hardship
- When
- Predictions for the year 2026
- Where
- Globally, with specific focus on the United States, Indonesia, Israel, Zimbabwe, Argentina, Turkey, Suriname, Iran, and Angola
- Why
- Driven by political polarization, cost-of-living issues, and generational divides, exacerbated by high youth unemployment and inflation
- Countries with Highest Unrest Risk
- United States, Indonesia, Israel, Zimbabwe, Argentina, Turkey, Suriname, Iran, Angola
- Youth Misery Index Rise
- Zimbabwe: 152%, Argentina: 103%
- Youth Unemployment and Inflation
- Combined to measure hardship
- ILO Statistic
- 1 in 4 young people not in employment, education, or training
- Drivers of Unrest
- Political polarization, cost-of-living issues, generational divides