Political instability negatively affects national security by undermining the rule of law, creating a vacuum for criminal organizations, and increasing the likelihood of conflict. In unstable environments, governments often struggle to maintain order, leading to social unrest, violence, and a breakdown of public services. This instability can also hamper the effectiveness of security forces and make it difficult to protect the populace. Ultimately, political instability can erode trust in institutions, endangering overall national and regional security.