Which combination of preconditions most strongly predicts the risk that an acting crowd will escalate into a mob and then a riot?

• A. High emotional intensity tied to long-standing grievances, presence of provocative counter-groups, weak leadership structures, and limited channels for negotiated grievance redress.
• B. Low emotion, absence of any grievance, strong consensus on formal procedures, and abundant communication with officials, because these factors maximize the risk of escalation.
• C. Complete institutionalization of the crowd with formal leadership recognized by authorities from the outset, which always ensures immediate escalation to a riot regardless of other conditions.
• D. A completely random combination of unrelated municipal services like garbage collection and nothing concerning emotions or grievances determines the risk of escalation.

Answer: (A)