Revolusi

Revolusi, in Indonesian and Malay usage, denotes a fundamental and rapid transformation of political, social, or economic order. In political science, a revolution involves the overthrow or radical restructuring of governing institutions and social relations, often with mass mobilization or conflict. Revolutions differ from reforms, which seek to modify the system from within rather than replace it wholesale. Some revolutions are peaceful; others involve violence or prolonged conflict.

Types include political revolutions (overthrow or major reshaping of government), socio-economic revolutions (transformation of economic systems and class relations), and independence revolutions (struggles for sovereignty). Notable examples: the French Revolution (1789–1799), the Russian Revolution (1917), and the Chinese Revolution (1949). The Industrial Revolution (18th–19th centuries) is often described as a technological and economic revolution rather than a political upheaval. Contemporary movements such as the Arab Spring are cited as waves of protests with profound political consequences in some states.

Causes typically involve political repression, economic crisis, social inequality, and pressures for change, combined with organizational capacity for collective action and leadership. External factors and ideological currents can contribute as well. Outcomes vary: revolutions can yield new constitutions, altered property relations, and redefined social identities, but may also lead to civil strife or ongoing instability. The term is applied differently across contexts, reflecting diverse pathways to change.