Pre-existing Conditions Leading to Violence and Instability During Political Transitions

This review looks at pre-existing conditions that can lead to instability and violence during political transitions. A broad range of factors can be influential. Economic factors, such as low GDP and economic inequality; population diversity and a history of recent conflict; the nature of the pre-transition regime, strength of governance institutions, level of democracy and influence of elite actors; the role and capacity of the military; and external influences, notably being in a volatile neighbourhood and having active diasporas. However, it is important to stress that the relevance of these pre-existing conditions will vary from one context to another.