Revolutionary Politics

This work offers a thematic analysis of the phenomenon of revolution. The 20th century has been witness to a number of historic revolutions, beginning with the Mexican and the Russian revolutions at the turn of the century and leading up to the Iranian and Nicaraguan revolutions in the 1970s and 1980s. Despite their fundamental differences, these and the revolutions before them are characterised by parallel developments and processes. The focus of this book is to discern those social and political dynamics that bring about revolutions, determine their nature and overall direction, and in turn examine the emergence and success of revolutionary leaders and their attempts at institutionalising their newly-won powers. Kamrava explores prevalent notions and theories concerning revolutions. There are, the author argues, several conditions necessary for the appearance and success of revolutionary movements. They include a weak state structure, a mobilisable society, and specific groups whose aim it is to overthrow the political system. Once the leaders of the revolution have been determined, they try to institutionalise their powers, in both the post-revolutionary state and society.