What dark impulses lurk in our minds that can justify the eradication of thousands and even millions of unarmed human beings caught in the crossfire of political, cultural, or ethnic hostilities? This book addresses this question. It explores the motives that have provided the psychological underpinnings for genocidal killings.
The book examines the evolution of societies over five millennia, highlighting the paradox of industrial success alongside persistent, unresolved issues. It argues that these challenges are significant drivers of ongoing social transformation, suggesting that advancements have not fully resolved the complexities of modern life. Through this lens, the text invites readers to consider how historical progress shapes contemporary society and the future.
Focusing on the emergence of brutal regimes throughout the twentieth century, the book examines the underlying forces that enable modern tyrants to gain power. It highlights the persistence of tyranny, even after the fall of Marxism, through contemporary examples of ethnic cleansing. Daniel Chirot provides valuable insights into the characteristics of these leaders and offers tools for predicting future occurrences of tyranny, making this study both relevant and crucial for understanding current global dynamics.
Why most modern revolutions have ended in bloodshed and failure--and what lessons they hold for today's world of growing extremism. Why have so many of the iconic revolutions of modern times ended in bloody tragedies? And what lessons can be drawn from these failures today, in a world where political extremism is on the rise and rational reform based on moderation and compromise often seems impossible to achieve? In YOU SAY YOU WANT A REVOLUTION?, Daniel Chirot examines a wide range of right- and left-wing revolutions around the world--from the late eighteenth century to today--to provide important new answers to these critical questions. A powerful account of the unintended consequences of revolutionary change, YOU SAY YOU WANT A REVOLUTION? is filled with critically important lessons for today's liberal democracies struggling with new forms of extremism."--Back cover