Nascent Revolution in Post USSR Russia
Abstract
This paper presents a case study of the Soviet Union (past and present) and the conditions that could lead to a repeat of its February revolution of 1917. In doing so, an examination is conducted of classical sociological theories of revolution, and specifically, three propositions regarding the process of revolution and how the Soviet model fits: (1) prior to the revolution, the majority of intellectuals cease to support the regime, write condemnations, and demand major reforms; (2) just prior to the fall of the old regime, the state attempts to meet criticism by undertaking major reforms; and (3) the actual fall of the regime begins with an acute political crisis brought on by the government's inability to deal with some economic, military, or political problem rather than by the action of a revolutionary opposition. The underlying hypothesis of this paper is that the Soviet Union has displayed (and continues to display) characteristics common or unique to these three propositions -- they are, therefore, continuing the march toward a revolution of classical proportions.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA262217
Entities
People
- Dennis A. Hunsinger
Organizations
- Dwight D. Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy