Acknowledgments

Abstract

Revolutions entail the overthrow and transformation of states or political regimes, typically by violent means, by popular rebellions or insurrections. In some revolutions, the overthrow of the state is accompanied by or facilitates fundamental economic, social, and/or cultural change; such revolutions are also known as “social revolutions” or “great revolutions.” Other revolutions (also called “political revolutions”) bring about new political orders but little if any economic, social, or cultural change. A successful revolution generally requires the prior weakening or collapse of the “infrastructural power” of the old regime (that is, its capacity to enforce its will upon society).