A Molotov cocktail is a simple incendiary device made from a glass bottle filled with flammable liquid, such as gasoline, and a cloth wick. When the wick is lit and the bottle is thrown, it shatters on impact, spreading the burning liquid and creating a fireball. This makes it a popular tool for protests and riots. The name "Molotov cocktail" originated during World War II, named after Vyacheslav Molotov, a Soviet politician. It was used by Finnish soldiers against Soviet tanks during the Winter War. Today, it is often associated with guerrilla warfare and civil unrest.