The Cost of Uncivil Discourse

With national flags flying among banners and placards promoting conspiracy theories, the mob quickly overwhelmed police barriers and stormed the steps of the legislative building. Hundreds were arrested.

This wasn’t the 2021 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, but a demonstration that drew 40,000 people to protest Germany’s coronavirus lockdown.

The German riot echoed protests in Hong Kong a year earlier, when hundreds broke into the Legislative Council, spray-painting messages on walls and breaking glass.

Around the world, citizens are protesting more – and increasingly such protests are turning violent.

Data from the Global Peace Index 2020 show civil unrest has doubled around the world over the last decade, with the numbers of both non-violent and violent demonstrations rising sharply.