rébellion

Rébellion is a term used to describe organized resistance against authority, typically aimed at altering political power or policy. The word comes from Middle French rebellion, from Latin rebellio, re- 'back' + bellum 'war', conveying the sense of waging war against established rule. It usually denotes collective action by a group and can range from armed insurrection to mass civil resistance.

In political discourse, a rebellion is distinct from a revolution in scope and aims. A rebellion typically seeks to challenge or overturn a government but does not necessarily aim to replace the entire system; it can be localized or regional. It may be violent or nonviolent, and is usually illegal under the state's laws, prompting repression, negotiation, or concessions.

Causes and dynamics: grievances such as economic distress, political exclusion, ethnic or religious tensions, or external pressure, combined with organization and leadership, often trigger rebellions. They may be sparked by wars, taxation, or policies perceived as unjust. Rebellions can be decisive moments in broader conflicts or part of longer struggles for autonomy or reform.

Notable historical instances include the Indian Rebellion of 1857 and the Taiping Rebellion in China (1850–1864), both large-scale uprisings with lasting consequences. In other contexts, rebellions have precipitated reforms, shifts in governance, or changes in colonial power. Outcomes vary: some lead to policy changes or new regimes, while others end in repression. They remain a persistent form of political contestation.