ABSTRACT
Scholars of the Iranian revolution are unanimous in viewing the formation of cross-cutting alliances as having been essential to the triumph of the revolution. This chapter presents an examination of the difficulties inherent in theorizing about revolutions. It utilizes this analysis as a point of departure for constructing a flexible framework that can serve as a tool for explaining and projecting revolutionary phenomena. Jack Goldstone acknowledges that it is impossible to determine the nature and intensity of people's feelings toward the system before the onset of revolution. To assess the potential for the revolutionary breakdown of Iran's theocratic regime, the task is to formulate a nontautological framework that is cognizant of both the variety and variability of revolutions. To enhance the conceptual utility of a new framework, one has to consider the nature as well as the leadership qualities of both the regime and antiregime forces. It is necessary to scrutinize the net balance of coercive force for the regime.
