The Romanian Revolution from a Theoretical Perspective

This article examines whether theories of revolution assist in explaining the Romanian revolution of December, 1989. The author presents a definition of revolution which incorporates the concepts of fundamental change, violence, and class uprising. Then the theoretical basis of historical, socio-psychological, and structural theories of revolution are discussed. These theories of revolution are applied to a case study of the Romanian revolution. The research indicates that the application of both socio-psychological and structural theories of revolution are particularly helpful in understanding the Romanian revolution. The conclusion is reached that further social science research needs to integrate these two theories of revolution.