ABSTRACT
This chapter continues the analysis of state-centered theories by looking at revolutions in Latin America and other parts of the Third World. It seeks to provide an overall evaluation of these theories and explores two additional questions crucial to explaining revolutions: What is the role of ideology in revolutions? Are revolutions the product of human will and deliberate intent, or do they happen as the result of external circumstances over which individuals have little control? In recent years there has been a resurgence of interest in the role of ideologies in the generation of revolutions and revolutionary movements. William Sewell, Jr. takes Skocpol to task for ignoring the role of ideology in revolutions. Sewell tries to make his case by way of an analysis of the French Revolution. Skocpol insists that revolutions be viewed as the outcome of objective conditions, especially conditions in the economy and the polity.
