Instigate (verb)

1. To provoke or stir up (a person or action).
2. To initiate or set in motion (something, especially a harmful or disruptive event).

Origin:

Late middle english (in the sense "begin (a lawsuit)"): from latin instigat- "incited, goaded", from the verb instigare. the current sense dates from the early 17th century.

Examples:

1. He was arrested for instigating a riot.
2. She instigated a public debate on the issue.
3. The company was accused of instigating price fixing.
4. The group of teenagers were accused of instigating the fight.
5. The government was accused of instigating the civil war.