Revolution: Is It Inevitable?
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What is a revolution?
A revolution is defined as a radical change in political, social, or economic structures, often achieved through collective action or force. It’s the moment when the status quo is no longer tolerable, and people demand change. From the Latin word 'revolutio,' meaning 'a turn around,' revolutions have reshaped nations and defined eras.
Most of you know what a revolution is, but do you know how a revolution is started? Do you know what the moments are like leading up to systemic collapse, could you survive a revolution, what kinds of revolution are there, and most importantly, in our current system is revolution inevitable?
Slow Reform: The Civil Rights Movement
While not typically considered a revolution, The civil rights movement was a revolution against systemic racism and segregation. Two iconic leaders emerged with differing strategies: Martin Luther King Jr. advocated nonviolent resistance, believing in the power of peaceful protests to effect change. Meanwhile, Malcolm X took a more militant stance, emphasizing self-defense and Black empowerment which led to the creation of the Black Panther Party. Their combined efforts—through speeches, marches, and grassroots organization—pushed the U.S. to confront its injustices and legislate change.
Post-Civil War Reconstruction (1865–1877) saw some progress for Black Americans, including the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments. However, the rise of Jim Crow laws in the late 19th century institutionalized segregation and disenfranchisement. By the mid-20th century, Black Americans faced widespread inequality in education, housing, employment, and voting rights, particularly in the South.
Early Sparks of the Movement were Brown v. Board of Education (1954), a Supreme Court ruling that segregation in public schools was unconstitutional, a landmark decision that energized activists and the murder of Emmett Till (1955). A disgusting and brutal lynching of a falsely accused 14-year-old boy in Mississippi. His mother’s decision to have an open-casket funeral highlighted the horrors of racial violence and sparked national outrage.
Other Key Milestones of the Movement were nonviolent protests such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott where Rosa Parks was arrested for refusing to give up her seat to a white passenger, the Sit-ins and freedom rides where black college students refused to leave a segregated lunch counter, The Birmingham campaign where the SCLC and MLK led protests against segregation, Television broadcasts of the violent response to demonstrators in Birmingham, and the march on washington where MLK gave his iconic “I have a dream” speech. How, do you ask, did these non-violent efforts lead to the granting of civil rights? The answer is simple. The violence enacted upon the peaceful protesters was so brutal, that it made the civilian population sympathize with the protesters.
Or… Was it the fear of what may have happened to the United States if non-violent protests did not work, and black americans decided to listen to Malcolm X?
Malcolm X faced significant challenges growing up. His father, a Baptist minister and outspoken advocate for Black empowerment, was killed by white supremacists. His family struggled with poverty, and his mother was eventually institutionalized, leaving Malcolm and his siblings in foster care. As a teenager, Malcolm moved to Boston to live with his sister and later relocated to Harlem, New York. There, he became involved in the underground economy, including gambling, drug dealing, and theft. In 1946, Malcolm and his friend Malcolm “Shorty” Jarvis were arrested for a series of burglaries targeting wealthy white families in Boston. These included breaking and entering, stealing valuables, and pawning stolen goods. Malcolm X received a 10-year prison sentence, although he was paroled after serving about 6 years. While incarcerated, Malcolm underwent a profound transformation that laid the foundation for his later activism using his time in prison to educate himself. He spent hours reading books on philosophy, history, and religion. He improved his vocabulary and writing skills by copying the dictionary, word by word. While imprisoned, Malcolm’s siblings introduced him to the teachings of the Nation of Islam (NOI), a Black nationalist and religious movement led by Elijah Muhammad. He embraced the NOI’s teachings, which emphasized Black pride, self-reliance, and the rejection of white supremacy. Malcolm converted to Islam and changed his name from Malcolm Little to Malcolm X, rejecting "Little" as a slave name given to his ancestors by white owners. The "X" symbolized his lost African heritage. Upon his release in 1952, Malcolm became one of the most prominent leaders of the NOI, using his charisma and intellect to spread its message. Malcolm X often spoke about the conditions in America’s prisons and the potential for incarcerated individuals to reform their lives, given the right opportunities.
Unlike King, Malcolm X argued that nonviolence was insufficient in the face of white oppression. He advocated self-defense, saying, “By any means necessary.” Malcolm criticized the slow pace of change and highlighted the broader scope of racial injustice, including economic exploitation and global anti-colonial struggles. By 1964, Malcolm X had broken with the Nation of Islam (NOI), due to being disillusioned by the leaders of the movement. His departure allowed Malcolm X to engage directly with the broader Civil Rights Movement and work with other activists and organizations, though his methods and rhetoric remained distinct.
"The Ballot or the Bullet" is one of Malcolm X's most famous speeches, delivered on April 3, 1964, in Cleveland, Ohio. This speech marked a critical moment in Malcolm X's evolution as a leader and orator, blending his militant critique of systemic racism with a call for Black political engagement and self-determination. The speech was delivered against the backdrop of the growing frustrations with the slow pace of legislative reform and widespread violence against Black activists. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was being debated in Congress, but many African Americans doubted that institutional changes would fully address systemic racism. Malcolm X framed the ballot as a tool for Black Americans to assert their political power. He argued that African Americans must use their votes strategically to force politicians to address their demands. He criticized both the Republican and Democratic parties for ignoring the interests of Black communities, calling them part of the same oppressive system.
Quote:
"A ballot is like a bullet. You don’t throw your ballots until you see a target, and if that target is not within your reach, keep your ballot in your pocket."
While Malcolm X emphasized the ballot as a peaceful means of change, he warned that if systemic oppression persisted and political channels failed, Black Americans might turn to more militant means of achieving justice.
Quote:
"It’s liberty or death. It’s freedom for everybody or freedom for nobody."
He encouraged Black communities to develop economic self-sufficiency by supporting Black-owned businesses and institutions. He rightfully believed that political rights without economic empowerment would not lead to true liberation.
Quote:
"We suffer political oppression, economic exploitation, and social degradation... The Black man needs to start his own program, needs to reclaim his own identity, and redefine his struggle…America preaches integration and practices segregation."
The speech carried a tone of urgency, warning that continued oppression could lead to widespread unrest and violence. Malcolm X positioned 1964 as a decisive year,
Quote:
"If we don’t cast a ballot, it’s going to end up in a situation where we’re going to have to cast a bullet."
Legislation was soon after passed to prop up black Americans and give them equal rights under the law. Such as Civil Rights Act of 1964, Voting Rights Act of 1965 and the Fair Housing Act of 1968. Most history books will tell you that MLK jr was the driving force for the civil rights movement, and granted, his influence shouldn't be understated. But I am of the mind that Malcom X was a side of the same influential coin. We have seen multiple times throughout history that while love is a large driving force, fear is the best motivator.
Rising Up: The French Revolution
The French Revolution, spanning from 1789 to 1799, is one of the most studied revolutions in history. It began with widespread dissatisfaction among the lower classes, who faced extreme poverty and taxation while the nobility lived in luxury. The rigid social structure of the Ancien Régime divided society into three estates: the clergy, the nobility, and everyone else—the Third Estate, which comprised about 97% of the population. Despite bearing the brunt of taxes, the Third Estate had little political representation or power.
Before the revolution, French was seen as a global power: The french language was the second most common language in europe and made up the majority of fine literature, France held a population of 28 million people, became a bastion of catholicism, had a GDP that was 2x as high as Britian (Frances main rival), Had the largest european army and navy for the time,
Simon Schama, citizens (1989) described France as
“A rapidly modernizing nation with entrepreneurial nobles, a reform-minded monarchy, early industrialization, growing commerce, and scientific process.”
The only problem France seemed to have, was a crippling amount of national debt between 8 and 12 billion livres, which would translate today into hundreds of billions of dollars in USD.
The revolution’s spark came from financial crises, poor harvests, and rising bread prices. Bread was a staple of the French diet, and its scarcity inflamed public anger and unrest. The economic plight disproportionately affected the common people of the third estate and led to resentment of the privileges of the clergy and nobility, who paid little to no taxes. This chart shows a good estimate of taxation at the time of the revolution. As you can see, the commoners paid up to 50% of their income in taxes, 10% of which was a mandated tithing to the catholic church, while the other classes paid absolutely nothing.
King Louis XVI summoned the Estates-General to address the financial crisis. The Estates-General met at Versailles on May 5, 1789. Before there were even discussions on how to solve the crisis, They were divided over a fundamental issue: should they vote democratically, giving the advantage to the common folk, or vote by estate, in which the two privileged groups of the kingdom would hold a majority? By June 17 the bickering over representation finally drove the leaders of the Third Estate (the commoners) to declare themselves as the National Assembly; they threatened to proceed without the other two groups if necessary. When royal officials locked the leaders out of their regular meeting hall on June 20, they occupied the king’s indoor tennis court (Jeu de Paume) and swore an oath not to disperse until they had given France a new constitution. The king grudgingly gave in and urged the nobles and the remaining clergy to join the assembly, which took the official title of National Constituent Assembly on July 9; at the same time, however, the king began gathering troops to dissolve it.
On July 14, 1789, In this tense atmosphere, fear that the royal troops would occupy Paris and imprison the National Assembly led Parisians to storm the Bastille in search of weapons believed to be stored there. Negotiations broke down, and the crowd stormed the fortress. After hours of fighting, the governor of the Bastille, Bernard-René de Launay, surrendered. He was later killed and his head was paraded on a pike. The storming of the Bastille symbolized the people's defiance and their desire to dismantle oppressive structures. It’s remembered as the start of a revolution that would dismantle monarchy and feudal privileges.
The storming of the Bastille was not a random act of violence but the result of months, if not years, of social and political organization. There were plenty of grassroots efforts that supported the cause. Ideas of liberty, equality, and fraternity were spreading through pamphlets, salons, and public discourse, fueling demands for systemic change. Political clubs and local committees began to form, spreading revolutionary ideals and organizing protests. As unrest grew, citizens in Paris established the Paris Commune, a local government body to coordinate protests and resist royal authority. Citizens began forming militias to protect themselves and their interests. The lack of faith in the monarchy’s ability to ensure safety drove these grassroots efforts, inspiring mass action.
Key moments followed, such as the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, which proclaimed liberty, equality, and fraternity as fundamental principles. The document was adopted on August 26, 1789, became a cornerstone of the revolution and in the history of human rights, it declared that all men are born free and equal in rights. Its key principles were:
Universal Equality
Natural Rights to liberty, property, security, and resistance to oppression.
Sovereignty of the People
Rule of Law which guarantees that laws must be just, equitable, and apply equally to all citizens.
Freedom of Expression and Religion
The Declaration of the Rights of Man, however, didn’t address everyone equally. Women, enslaved people, and poor workers found themselves excluded from its promises, sparking future movements for inclusion.
The Reign of Terror, spanning from September 1793 to July 1794, was one of the darkest chapters of the French Revolution. It was led primarily by the radical Jacobin leader Maximilien Robespierre and his allies. The revolutionary government, fearing internal dissent and external threats, sought to purge enemies of the revolution and enforce unity through harsh measures. The guillotine became a symbol of the era. Seen as being more humane than traditional cullings, Thousands, including Queen Marie Antoinette and revolutionary leaders like Georges Danton, were beheaded as enemies of the revolution. The Revolutionary Tribunal court was established to prosecute suspected counter-revolutionaries. Trials were often quick, with outcomes predetermined, leading to widespread fear. Freedom of speech, press, and assembly were curtailed as the government prioritized security over individual rights. This legislation allowed for the arrest of anyone deemed suspicious or counter-revolutionary, often based on vague or fabricated accusations. While the Reign of Terror aimed to secure the revolution, it ultimately alienated many. The execution of Robespierre in July 1794 marked the end of this bloody period and the beginning of a more moderate phase of the revolution. The Reign of Terror serves as a stark reminder of how revolutions can spiral into violence when fear and power dominate ideals.
Following the fall of Robespierre the revolution entered a new phase known as the Thermidorian Reaction. This period was named after the revolutionary calendar’s month of Thermidor, during which Robespierre’s downfall occurred. With Robespierre and his closest allies executed, the radical Jacobin faction lost its grip on power. The more moderate Girondins, who had been suppressed earlier, regained influence. The revolutionary government began dismantling many of the harsh measures introduced during the Reign of Terror. The Revolutionary Tribunal was scaled back, and the Law of Suspects was repealed. This counter-revolutionary movement targeted former Jacobins and radicals. Many were arrested or killed in acts of revenge by those who had suffered under the Reign of Terror. The Thermidorian government struggled to address ongoing economic instability, including inflation and food shortages, which continued to fuel unrest. The period saw a relaxation of strict revolutionary culture. People sought to move away from the austere and militant lifestyle imposed during the Terror, with a resurgence of social and cultural life in Paris.
However, the Thermidorian Reaction did not resolve the deeper issues plaguing France. It set the stage for the establishment of the Directory in 1795. This new government was created under the Constitution of Year III, which aimed to stabilize the country after years of radical upheaval and violence. The Directory was composed of five directors who collectively held executive power. This system was designed to prevent the concentration of power in a single individual, as had been the case with Robespierre. The government included two legislative bodies: the Council of Five Hundred, which proposed laws, and the Council of Ancients, which approved them. This structure aimed to balance power and reduce the risk of tyranny. The Directory sought to move away from the extremes of both the Jacobins and the royalists. It represented a more moderate approach to governance, focusing on maintaining order and rebuilding the economy. To maintain control and suppress uprisings, the Directory relied heavily on the military. This reliance empowered ambitious generals, most notably Napoleon Bonaparte, who would later exploit this dynamic. The Directory faced significant problems, including ongoing war with European coalitions, inflation, and popular unrest. It struggled to meet the revolutionary ideals of liberty and equality while managing practical governance.
Although the Directory brought temporary stability, it was marked by corruption, inefficiency, and political instability. These weaknesses ultimately led to its downfall in 1799, when Napoleon Bonaparte staged the Coup of 18 Brumaire, seizing power and establishing the Consulate.
But the French Revolution was more than political upheaval. It reshaped ideas about governance, citizenship, and human rights. It showed that collective action could overturn centuries of entrenched power, but also highlighted the dangers of factionalism and unchecked violence. Beyond France, its legacy influenced revolutions and democratic movements worldwide, cementing its place as a turning point in history.
A Great Fall: Rome
The fall of the Roman Empire is one of history’s most analyzed events, symbolizing the decline of one of the most powerful civilizations in history. At its height in the 2nd century CE, the Roman Empire spanned three continents, encompassing vast territories from Britain to North Africa and the Middle East. However, by the 4th and 5th centuries, the empire faced insurmountable challenges that led to its fragmentation.
Before the fall, the empire was known for its advanced infrastructure. The Romans built an extensive network of roads spanning over 250,000 miles and enabling rapid communication, military movement, and trade across vast distances. Aqueducts to supply cities with fresh water. Roman architecture included iconic structures such as the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Roman Forum, and the Baths of Caracalla. Rome’s military was one of the most powerful and efficient forces in history. it’s legions were well-organized, disciplined, and technologically advanced. Roman literature and philosophy produced some of the greatest thinkers of antiquity, including writers like Virgil (author of the Aeneid), Horace, Ovid, and historians like Tacitus and Livy. Roman law and rhetoric were also influenced by Greek philosophers like Aristotle and Plato. art and sculpture were heavily influenced by Greek art, but Romans introduced their own innovations, especially in portraiture. Roman busts became highly realistic, capturing the facial features of individuals with striking accuracy. The Romans constructed complex sewage systems, such as the Cloaca Maxima, to manage waste and prevent disease. This system is considered a precursor to modern urban sanitation. The Romans established hospitals for soldiers (military hospitals), which were a precursor to modern medical institutions. Doctors and medical knowledge, influenced by Greek traditions, made strides in areas such as surgery, public health, and hygiene. Figures like Galen contributed significantly to medicine. The Romans developed a concept of citizenship that granted legal rights and protections to individuals within the empire. Over time, they extended citizenship to more people, eventually granting it to all free men in the empire in 212 AD through the Edict of Caracalla. The Roman Republic, before it became an empire, developed a mixed government system that combined elements of democracy (the assemblies), aristocracy (the Senate), and monarchy (the consuls). Though the Republic ended, its concepts of governance, such as checks and balances, still influence modern political systems. The Senate played a crucial role in Roman government, serving as an advisory body and helping guide the policies of the emperor. While its power diminished under the Empire, it continued to be an important symbol of Roman authority. However, all of this was not to last.
The Roman Empire suffered from a lack of stable leadership. From 235 to 284 CE, during the Crisis of the Third Century, Rome saw over 20 emperors, most of whom were assassinated or overthrown. Widespread corruption undermined trust in the government. Officials often acted in their self-interest, neglecting public welfare. Emperor Diocletian divided the empire into Eastern and Western halves in 285 CE to improve governance. While this temporarily stabilized administration, it also weakened the Western half, which lacked the wealth and resources of the East.
Rome’s economy depended heavily on slave labor from conquests. As territorial expansion slowed, so did the influx of slaves, leading to economic stagnation. The empire experienced rampant inflation due to the debasement of currency, reducing the silver content of coins and leading to hyperinflation. Additionally, heavy taxation to support the military drained the resources of farmers and landowners, leading to widespread poverty and food shortages. With the empire under constant attack, trade routes became less secure, leading to reduced economic activity. The social contract between the government and its citizens shifted. With heavy taxation and conscription, many citizens began to view the empire as a burden rather than a protector.
Rome’s vast territory was difficult to defend, stretching the military thin across multiple fronts. The Roman military increasingly relied on non-Roman mercenaries, who were often less loyal and more expensive than Roman troops. The Western Roman Empire faced constant pressure from various "barbarian" tribes, including the Visigoths, Vandals, Ostrogoths, and Huns. The sack of Rome by the Visigoths in 410 CE and by the Vandals in 455 CE marked significant blows.
Many historians argue that a decline in traditional Roman values and civic responsibility weakened the empire. The wealthy elite prioritized personal luxury over public service. Cities deteriorated as public infrastructure, such as aqueducts and roads, fell into disrepair. The elites, senators, equestrians, and wealthy landowners, had immense privileges. Vast estates, exemption from taxation, and disproportionate political power. They controlled much of the empire's economic output, leveraging their influence to secure profitable contracts, monopolies, and legal rulings. Meanwhile, commoners, farmers, laborers, and urban poor, bore the brunt of the empire’s tax burden. They were subject to heavy land taxes, poll taxes, and, in some cases, forced labor to maintain public infrastructure. The lack of upward mobility for the lower classes meant they had little chance to improve their socio-economic standing. While elites lived in opulent villas and benefited from luxuries such as imported goods and private education, commoners often struggled to meet basic needs. This disparity contributed to social unrest and resentment, exacerbating the empire's vulnerabilities.
Epidemics, such as the Antonine Plague, significantly reduced the population, weakening the economy and military. Estimates suggest the plague killed between 10% and 25% of the empire’s population, amounting to millions of lives lost. Major cities experienced devastating losses, and some rural areas were depopulated entirely. The disease did not spare any social class, affecting both commoners and elites, including the co-emperor Lucius Verus, who reportedly succumbed to the plague in 169 CE. Roman armies were hit hard by the plague, losing significant numbers of soldiers. This weakened the empire’s ability to defend its borders and respond to external threats. Germanic tribes and other enemies took advantage of the weakened Roman defenses, increasing the frequency of invasions and raids. The scale of death and suffering shook Roman society, leading to widespread fear and religious anxiety.
Key Events Leading to the Fall are; The Battle of Adrianople, fought on August 9, 378 CE, a clash between the Roman Empire, led by Emperor Valens, and the Gothic tribes, near the city of Adrianople (modern Edirne, Turkey). Valens, seeking a decisive victory, engaged the Gothic forces without waiting for reinforcements from the Western Emperor Gratian. The Roman army was outmaneuvered and surrounded by the Goths, who employed superior tactics to decimate the Roman legions. The battle resulted in the death of Valens and the loss of approximately two-thirds of his army.
The Sack of Rome in 410 CE by the Visigoths, led by their king Alaric. For three days, the capital of the empire was looted and devastated, marking the first time in 800 years that Rome had fallen to a foreign enemy. The event shocked the Roman world and symbolized the empire's waning power and inability to defend itself against external threats. The Visigoths, originally allowed into Roman territories as refugees fleeing the Huns, had grown resentful of mistreatment and broken promises from Roman officials. Their discontent, combined with political instability and weakened military defenses, culminated. While some churches and sanctuaries were spared due to Alaric's Christian faith, the event left a mark on the Roman people.
The deposition of Romulus Augustulus in 476 CE marked the end of the Western Roman Empire and the beginning of a new era in European history. Romulus, a young and powerless emperor, was placed on the throne by his father, the military commander Orestes, during a period of intense political instability. However, his reign was short-lived. Odoacer, a Germanic chieftain and leader of barbarian mercenaries who had grown discontented with unpaid promises, led a rebellion against Orestes, ultimately defeating him and capturing Romulus. Odoacer chose not to install another Roman emperor in the West, instead sending the imperial insignia to Constantinople and declaring allegiance to the Eastern Emperor Zeno. This act symbolized the dissolution of the Western imperial office and the transition of power to barbarian kings, as Odoacer ruled Italy as a king under nominal Eastern authority. The event is often cited as the fall of the Western Roman Empire.
France Vs US
While we bear some similarities to Rome, the description of France before the revolution fits almost perfectly with the modern day United States.
Both seen as a global power with the strongest military and a massive GDP, both had a abrahamic faith that defined the countries politics, and a massive amount of national debt.
If you were to take this quote and replace the words, you wouldn’t know the difference.
“Simon Schama, citizens (1989) described France as “a rapidly modernizing nation with entrepreneurial knobles, a reform-minded monarchy, early industrialization, growing commerce, and scientific process.”
Rome vs US
Like the Roman empire, the united states is known for it’s structures of law and order, particularly the institutions that claim to bring equal representation to the people.
We are also alike in the fact that we were and are dependent on slave labor for our economy.
Similarities to both:
The biggest similarities to both empires are the growing taxation of the lower classes, we are greatly in debt, and the people are demanding to be heard….but the leaders turn a blind eye.
Indications of an Upcoming Fall of Government or Revolution
History shows us that revolutions are preceded by certain signs: economic inequality, political corruption, social unrest, and the erosion of public trust. When people feel their voices are ignored and their rights trampled, the seeds of revolution are planted. In our modern world, these indicators still hold true, albeit in different forms.
Historian Sir John Glubb proposed the idea of a typical "imperial lifespan" in his essay "The Fate of Empires". He argued that empires tend to go through similar stages of growth, peak, and decline over about 250 years, or roughly 10 generations.
These stages are:
Age of Pioneers (Expansion and conquest)
Age of Conquests (Consolidation and military dominance)
Age of Commerce (Economic prosperity and trade)
Age of Affluence (Cultural flourishing)
Age of Intellect (Focus on knowledge and philosophy)
Age of Decadence (Wealth disparity, internal decay, and complacency)
Age of Decline and Collapse (Fragmentation and external defeat)
Methods of Revolutions in the Past
Historically, revolutions depended on: Physical gatherings, Word-of-mouth, Printed pamphlets, flyers, and media, and protests. While these methods weren’t able to be spread as quickly, they succeeded in making allies feel more aligned with the cause. The methods were persistent and consistent.
Today, the internet has drastically altered the playing field for organizing movements:
Social media and messaging apps allow people to share information and coordinate actions in real-time, enabling rapid mobilization. A message posted online can reach millions across the world within minutes, allowing movements to gain international support and attention.
However, The speed at which information spreads also allows false or misleading information to proliferate. Bad actors can deliberately spread disinformation to confuse, divide, or discredit movements. The lack of gatekeepers means that unverified claims can gain traction quickly, undermining trust and cohesion. Governments can monitor social media and online communication using sophisticated tools. In many countries, digital surveillance is used to track and suppress dissent. Platforms can be censored, blocked, or manipulated.
If a revolution is truly on the horizon, how do we overcome these challenges?
Countering Misinformation and Building Trust
Verification networks: Creating trusted networks of individuals or groups that can verify accurate information quickly. These could include journalists, academics, and independent fact-checkers.
Media literacy: Educating the public on how to critically assess information, identify credible sources, and recognize disinformation tactics. Especially in an age where AI is nearly indistinguishable from reality.
Enhancing Security and Privacy
Encryption: Use encrypted messaging apps like signal or telegram for sensitive communications. This reduces the risk of government surveillance.
Decentralized platforms: Rely on decentralized platforms like Mastadon that are harder for governments to censor or control.
Operational security (OpSec): Train organizers and participants in basic OpSec practices, such as using VPNs, anonymizing tools, The dark web, and minimizing digital footprints.
Maintaining Unity in a Fragmented Environment
Common goals and narratives: Clearly define the movement’s goals and shared narratives to maintain unity across diverse groups.
Intersectionality & Unity: Instead of relying on a single leader, empower local leaders and groups who can adapt strategies to their specific needs while remaining aligned with the movement’s broader goals of liberation.
Offline networks: Even in the digital age, physical networks remain crucial. Combining online organizing with offline community-building efforts helps build trust and resilience.
Building Resilience Against Suppression
Redundancy: Use multiple platforms and communication methods so that if one is shut down, others remain functional.
International support: Engage international allies, including NGOs, journalists, and foreign governments, to increase pressure on oppressive regimes and amplify the movement’s message.
Non-digital methods: While digital tools are powerful, maintaining non-digital methods—such as in-person meetings, printed flyers, and public demonstrations—ensures that the movement can continue even if the internet is shut down. Zines are a good method of spreading information in a way that is bite sized, untraceable, and effective.
Is Revolution Inevitable?
Is revolution inevitable?
The answer: It is not only inevitable, it is a promise.
The real question is what structure of government, or lack thereof, will rise in the destruction. And how long will that government last in the neverending circle of civilization. Only you can choose where we end up after the fall.
Now is the time to organize.
