Nakojaabad Part two

                                                                                                                 NAKOJA ABAD

                                                                                                                        Part two

                 

Revolutions and Changes in Dictatorships: A Closer Look at Successes Without Foreign Intervention

In the tapestry of the 20th century, the world witnessed numerous uprisings and revolutions, each with its unique backdrop and outcomes. These movements, often born from the depths of oppression under authoritarian regimes, have varied in success and impact. A particularly intriguing aspect of these upheavals is the role—or lack thereof—of foreign intervention. While many revolutions have been influenced or even orchestrated by external powers, there are notable exceptions where change was driven almost entirely by internal forces.

A revolution can be seen as a powerful wave of change, typically involving mass movements that can be either violent or nonviolent. These movements aim to overthrow existing regimes, often replacing oppressive dictatorships with more democratic forms of governance. However, defining a change in dictatorship and assessing the success of a revolution can be complex, especially when considering the influence of foreign powers.

Foreign intervention can take many forms, from direct military support to more subtle influences like financial aid or propaganda. However, for the purpose of this discussion, we focus on revolutions that achieved significant change primarily through internal mechanisms—without direct military action, substantial funding, or orchestrated support from foreign states.

1. Portugal’s Carnation Revolution (1974)

The Carnation Revolution serves as a prime example of a military-led coup that transitioned peacefully to democracy. Initiated by junior officers disillusioned with the authoritarian Estado Novo regime and ongoing colonial wars, the movement quickly gained civilian support. Remarkably, there was no direct foreign intervention, with the revolution characterized by the iconic image of carnations in soldiers’ rifles, symbolizing its nonviolent nature.

2. Philippines’ People Power Revolution (1986)

In the Philippines, the assassination of opposition leader Benigno Aquino Jr. catalyzed mass protests that eventually ousted dictator Ferdinand Marcos. Despite long-standing U.S. support for Marcos, the uprising was predominantly fueled by local forces, including significant defections within the military. The U.S. played a role in facilitating Marcos’s exile but did not directly orchestrate the uprising.

3. Sudan’s October Revolution (1964)

This nonviolent uprising, led by students and professionals, successfully overthrew the military dictatorship of Ibrahim Abboud. The revolution was a grassroots effort, with no documented foreign government backing, marking a significant moment of change driven purely by domestic discontent.

4. Tunisia’s Jasmine Revolution (2010-2011)

The self-immolation of Mohamed Bouazizi over economic despair and corruption ignited widespread protests that led to the downfall of Zine El Abidine Ben Ali’s regime. This revolution was part of the broader Arab Spring but was notably spontaneous and driven by local grievances, without direct foreign funding or armed intervention.

5. Mongolia’s Democratic Revolution (1990)

In Mongolia, peaceful protests and hunger strikes led by the Mongolian Democratic Union culminated in the end of the communist one-party state. The movement was inspired by changes in Eastern Europe but was fundamentally driven by local intellectuals and students, without direct Soviet intervention despite Mongolia’s close ties with the USSR.

Why Some Revolutions Succeed Without Foreign Help

Several factors contribute to the success of revolutions without foreign intervention. Broad public support and mass mobilization often play critical roles, tapping into widespread grievances like economic hardship or political repression. Additionally, defections from within the military or the regime itself can tip the balance in favor of revolutionary forces. Nonviolent tactics also tend to be effective, as they can mobilize large segments of the population and make violent repression politically costly.

Despite these successes, many revolutions face significant challenges. The lack of unity, effective regime strategies to suppress opposition, and external counter-interventions can all undermine revolutionary movements. Moreover, the ambiguity of what constitutes “foreign intervention” and the covert nature of some foreign actions complicate the analysis of these events.