Abstract and Keywords
This article discusses revolutionary movements and how they lead to a change of political regime. It first reviews some definitions and characteristics of revolutions and revolutionary situations and how revolutions differ from revolutionary movements. It then examines the role of class conflict as a principal factor driving most revolutionary situations and outcomes, and how it is shaped and organized by the institutional make-up of political regimes. It also considers the ‘three major symptoms’ of revolutionary situations—or situations of ‘dual power’—according to Vladimir Lenin; the role played by organizational culture and ideology in the origins and outcomes of revolutions; and the reasons why revolutionary movements win popular support. Finally, the article analyzes revolutions in relation to democracy, social justice, and social change.
Keywords: revolutionary movements, revolutions, revolutionary situations, class conflict, political regimes, dual power, Vladimir Lenin, democracy, social justice, social change
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