National political disintegration

Breakdown of national political unity
National political disunity
National political infighting
Parliamentary infighting

Nature

Breakdown and fragmentation of the political system may reach the point where it no longer functions adequately. Political disintegration may be initially characterized by factions and political schism, and the formation of many new parties with a small or short-lived following. This may lead to the necessity for coalition or qualified majority government, resulting in severe difficulty in effecting legislation. If society continues to be very divided in its political views and aspirations, the situation may degenerate into anarchy and ultimately revolution and dictatorship. Political disintegration, if it does not culminate in revolution and dictatorship, may lead to national collapse and foreign control.

Incidence

National political disintegration has been observed in various regions, particularly in countries experiencing civil conflict, ethnic tensions, or economic crises. For instance, the Fragile States Index 2023 highlights that countries like Yemen, Syria, and South Sudan are among the most fragile, indicating severe political disintegration. Additionally, the Global Peace Index reports that political instability has increased in numerous nations, with over 50 countries experiencing significant unrest in the past decade, leading to weakened governance and social cohesion.
A notable example of national political disintegration occurred in Syria, where the civil war began in 2011. The conflict has led to the fragmentation of the state, with various factions controlling different territories, resulting in a humanitarian crisis and mass displacement of millions. The ongoing instability has severely undermined the central government's authority and has created a complex landscape of competing political entities.

Claim

When there's a crisis the government acts; when there isn't, the parties fight and nothing gets done. It's a distraction.

Counter-claim

National political disintegration is often overstated and sensationalized. In reality, societies have always faced challenges, yet they adapt and evolve. The focus should be on local governance and community resilience rather than fear-mongering about disintegration. Political systems are dynamic, and change can lead to innovation and improvement. Instead of worrying about fragmentation, we should celebrate diversity and the potential for new ideas to emerge from different perspectives. It's not a crisis; it's an opportunity.