revolucioni

Revolucioni is the Albanian term for revolution, referring to a fundamental and rapid transformation of a country’s political, social, and economic order. It denotes a broad change in power relations, institutions, and norms that is usually distinct from gradual reforms or isolated policy shifts. Revolutions are often associated with collective action, mass mobilization, and significant disruption of the existing system, though they may occur with varying levels of violence and nonviolent resistance.

Etymology and usage: the word derives from Latin revolutio, through European languages, and in Albanian the definite form revolucioni means “the revolution.” The plural revolucionet and related phrases appear in historical writing and political discourse to name specific upheavals, such as revolucioni i vitit 1789 or revolucioni i vitit 1989, depending on context.

Types and characteristics: scholars distinguish political revolutions, which aim to replace the regime and constitutional order; social revolutions, which transform class structures and economic relations; and ideological revolutions, which alter dominant worldviews. A revolution typically involves changes to laws, institutions, and governing authority, and may lead to long-term shifts in society, culture, and economy. It is often contrasted with reform, which seeks gradual change within the existing system, or with coups and civil wars, which may alter leadership without altering the fundamental structure.

Examples and impact: notable revolutions cited in global history include the French Revolution (1789–1799), the Russian Revolution (1917), the Chinese Revolution (1949), and the Iranian Revolution (1979), as well as nonviolent movements such as the Velvet Revolution (1989). Outcomes vary widely, from democratization to new autocratic orders, reflecting local conditions, leadership, and external pressures.