When Change Is Not Enough: Seven Steps to Revolution

AlterNet by Sara Robinson | Feb. 23, 2008 (Opinion)

Way back in 1962, Caltech sociologist James C. Davies published an article in the American Sociological Review that summarized the conditions that determine how and when modern political revolutions occur. Intriguingly, Davies cited another scholar, Crane Brinton, who laid out seven "tentative uniformities" that he argued were the common precursors that set the stage for the Puritan, American, French, and Russian revolutions. As I read Davies' argument, it ... Full Story »

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Mark Monday
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 by Mark Monday - Oct. 1, 2008

The theory -- and the people -- mentioned here are among the more proven-reliable when it comes to the admittedly imperfect business of projecting revolt or unrest. I have great respect for James Chowning Davies and Crane Brinton and would highly recommend When Men Revolt and Why -- a Reader in Political Violence and Revolution, edited by Davies over 35 years ago. It is an essential read for anyone who needs to understand the concept of revolt and irregular warfare. The material in the book allows the reader to develop some level of accuracy in predicting social upheaval and revolt. The theories expunded there compete well with other theoretical designs and should be at least understood, if not totally accepted, by anyone interested in the concept of irregular warfare as practiced today.

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