Revolutions and Historical Process

Abstract

AbstractIn this chapter Leonid Grinin considers the role of revolutions within long-term historical process and the World System as well as analyzes the changing importance of revolutions from ancient times up to the present. It is shown why the nature of revolutions has changed and their significance has sharply increased since the beginning of the sixteenth century, i.e., with the beginning of the Early Modern Period and the Industrial Revolution. It is also shown how at first the role of revolutions increased in the historical process and in globalization, the latter being one of the main components of historical process. Then the author explains how and why the role of revolutions as the most important driving force of the historical process and progress began to decline against the background of the increasing role of more legitimate and less costly forms of societal transformation. The current and increasing role of revolutions and their application as a geopolitical weapon and as a tool contributing to the World System’s dramatic change are also examined. Grinin shows that there is a strong correlation between the development of technologies, globalization, and the role of revolutions in historical process. While considering these aspects the author also addresses some points related to the theory of revolution. This chapter also offers some forecasts regarding the future role of revolutions in the development of societies and the World System in general.