Abstract
Revolution can mean a revolutionary movement, a revolutionary outcome, or a revolutionary situation. A revolutionary movement is an attempt to change government, regime, or society (or all three) by violence; a revolutionary outcome is a successful change of government, regime, or society (or all three) by violence; a revolutionary situation is a civil war for state power. A revolution in one sense can occur without a revolution in the other senses occurring as well. Some theories explain movements; others explain outcomes and situations. Theories of revolution date back to the Greeks, but hived off from historiography, political theory, and sociology in the twentieth century and formed four families here named after the explanatory causes they cite: psychological, functional, structural, and political theories. Where these theories make sense, they agree with Thucydides that hope of success motivates revolutionary violence, and with Plato that hope feeds on weak government torn by faction.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: International Encyclopedia of the Social and Behavioral Sciences
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
