ABSTRACT
Political theories about the causes of revolution include macro and micro level explanations. At the macro level, structural conditions and ideologies are critical factors in understanding the emergence of rebellion and revolution. Prevailing ideologies can drive collective mobilization. Weber (1930) and Tawney (1920) discussed the role of religious reformation in transforming a society’s attitudes towards personal property and material acquisition. In recent decades, some revolutionary activity in the Middle East has been linked with certain adherents to the Muslim religion and with particular Islamic sects. Individual beliefs that one is risking one’s life for a supernatural power may give strength to a revolutionary movement. Many revolutionary movements cultivated nationalism to overthrow foreign political and economic domination. The American Revolution can be seen in this context, as can the twentieth-century revolutions against colonialism. In each case, basic changes in the political system follow as a result of ideologies including those rooted in religion, equality, and liberty.
