Revolutionary Movements in the 21st Century

Authors

  • Myles Omondi Egerton University

Keywords:

Revolutionary Movements, Globalization, Socioeconomic Inequality, Environmental Activism, Identity Politics, Post-Revolutionary Challenges, Social Movement Theory

Abstract

The study delves into the multifaceted dynamics influencing the success or failure of such movements across the globe. Grounded in a contextual understanding, the research explores cases from the USA, Canada, Europe, and African countries, emphasizing the role of socioeconomic inequality, globalization, technology, identity politics, and environmental activism. Drawing from diverse methodologies, including qualitative case studies and quantitative analyses, the study contributes significantly to both theoretical frameworks and practical insights. The findings highlight the intricate relationship between globalization and revolutionary movements, elucidating how global interconnectedness both empowers and diversifies these movements. The impact of technology, particularly social media, emerges as a transformative force in mobilization, as seen in movements like the Arab Spring. Socioeconomic inequality is identified as a common catalyst, with heightened
levels contributing to social unrest and collective action. The study emphasizes the importance of addressing post-revolutionary challenges for sustained societal change, as exemplified by the complexities faced in the Egyptian Revolution. Theoretical contributions include an enriched understanding of the transnational dissemination of revolutionary ideas, advancements in Social Movement Theory, and an acknowledgment of the adaptive nature of these movements in response to evolving socio-political landscapes. Practical insights are offered for activists and policymakers, stressing the strategic leveraging of global networks, adaptation to globalized contexts, and inclusive coalition-building. Policymakers are urged to recognize the influence of globalization, foster social cohesion, and address systemic issues contributing to grievances, with an emphasis on policies that
outlast the immediate upheaval. In conclusion, the study positions revolutionary movements as dynamic and evolving processes shaped by the interplay of globalization, technology, socioeconomic factors, identity politics, and environmental concerns. By offering nuanced insights into contemporary revolutionary dynamics, the research contributes to a more informed dialogue among scholars, policymakers, and activists, fostering a collective effort toward addressing the root causes of socioeconomic inequality and promoting positive societal change in the 21st century.

References

Abou-El-Fadl, R. (2015). Post-Revolutionary Challenges: A Case Study of the Egyptian Revolution. Journal of Middle East Studies, 28(4), 489-511.

Al-Said, F., Rahman, M. M., & Chen, Y. (2012). Technology and Mobilization: Social Media in the Arab Spring. Communication and Society, 20(2), 211-235.

Chetty, R., Hendren, N., Kline, P., & Saez, E. (2014). Where is the land of opportunity? The geography of intergenerational mobility in the United States. The Quarterly Journal of Economics, 129(4), 1553-1623.

Chomsky, N. (2016). Requiem for the American Dream: The 10 Principles of Concentration of Wealth & Power.

Crenshaw, K. (1989). Demarginalizing the intersection of race and sex: A black feminist critique of antidiscrimination doctrine, feminist theory and antiracist politics. University of Chicago Legal Forum, 1989(1), Article 8.

Croteau, D., & Hoynes, W. (2014). Occupy Media!: The Occupy Movement and Social Media in Crisis Capitalism.

Dalacoura, K. (2012). The 2011 uprisings in the Arab Middle East: Political change and geopolitical implications. International Affairs, 88(1), 63-79.

Dorow, S. (2015). Idle No More and the Remaking of Canada.

Garcia, L., & Hernandez, J. (2014). Socioeconomic Inequality and Protest Movements: A Latin American Perspective. Latin American Journal of Sociology, 22(1), 45-68.

Hout, M., & DiPrete, T. A. (2006). What we have learned: RC28's contributions to knowledge about social stratification. Research in Social Stratification and Mobility, 24(1), 1-20.

Howard, P. N., & Hussain, M. M. (2013). Democracy's Fourth Wave?: Digital Media and the Arab Spring.

Ibrahim, J. (2015). The Nigerian Revolution and the Boko Haram Insurgency: A Comparative Analysis.

McAdam, D., McCarthy, J. D., & Zald, M. N. (1996). Comparative perspectives on social movements: Political opportunities, mobilizing structures, and cultural framings. Cambridge University Press.

Milanovic, B. (2016). Global Inequality: A New Approach for the Age of Globalization.

Nolutshungu, S. C. B. (2012). South Africa in Africa: A Study in Ideology and Foreign Policy.

O'Neill, M., & Rodriguez, A. (2013). Identity Politics and Revolutionary Movements: A Comparative Case Study. Journal of Social Movements, 25(4), 455-478.

Piketty, T. (2014). Capital in the Twenty-First Century.

Robertson, M., & Anderson, B. (2013). Globalization and Revolutionary Movements: A Qualitative Analysis. Journal of Global Studies, 15(3), 325-347.

Smelser, N. J. (1962). Theory of Collective Behavior. Free Press.

Smith, A. (2012). The Occupy Wall Street movement and the discourse of inequality. Journal of Language and Politics, 11(3), 374-398.

Smith, P., & Johnson, L. (2012). Impact of Revolutionary Movements on Policy Change: A Historical Analysis. Policy Studies Journal, 30(3), 289-312.

Stiglitz, J. E. (2015). The Great Divide: Unequal Societies and What We Can Do About Them.

Tadros, M. (2017). Reflections on the Arab Uprisings.

Wang, H., & Chen, X. (2016). Environmental Activism and Revolutionary Potential: A Qualitative Exploration. Environmental Studies Journal, 34(2), 189-213.

Wilkinson, R. G., & Pickett, K. (2009). The Spirit Level: Why Greater Equality Makes Societies Stronger.

IJHSCA

Downloads

Published

2023-02-12

How to Cite

Omondi, M. (2023). Revolutionary Movements in the 21st Century. International Journal of Historical Studies and Civic Affairs, 1(1), 43–52. Retrieved from https://forthworthjournals.org/journals/index.php/IJHSCA/article/view/107

Issue

Section

Articles