Abstract
It is necessary to better understand and prevent all contributors to violence. A 2017 hypothesis stated--if a pandemic causing mental impairments increasing the risk of violence occurred, it could contribute to global instability. The association between infectious disease, mental impairments, violence, and global instability has never been adequately researched. A review is performed to evaluate all the facets of this possible association.
A sequence of events contributes to the association between infectious diseases and global instability. Degraded environments are conducive to emerging and expanding infectious diseases. Infections can alter brain functioning by immune system mediated and other pathophysiological mechanism that can increase the risk of mental impairments contributing to mental illnesses and/or violent behavior. Parasites, particularly zoonotic and vector-borne, sometimes manipulate their host in a manner that propagates their survival (Manipulation Hypothesis). Through this, or other pathophysiology, infectious diseases can contribute to violent behavior in both animals and humans. When influential individuals or groups of influential individuals acquire infectious diseases that contribute to violent tendencies, it can have greater societal and global impact (critical mass dynamic). Infectious diseases are not equally distributed throughout the world. Countries and geographic areas with greater infections and vector-borne zoonotic disease burdens correlate with a higher prevalence of violence. In a global community, this can contribute to global instability.
Impairments from the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic are associated with an increased risk of mental impairments and violent behavior. Global violence and instability have increased following the pandemic based upon changes in the Global Peace Index.
Although the data reviewed has limitations, evidence suggests infectious diseases, including the recent SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, may contribute to mental impairments with resultant increased risk of violence and global instability. A collaborative One Health research and intervention approach can help prevent violence both regionally and globally.