Romanian Revolution or Coup d'état?: A Theoretical View of the Events of December 1989

The exact nature of the events of December 1989 in Romania has long been the subject of intense speculation and this article seeks to contribute to this ongoing debate by considering the previously rather neglected question of whether from a theoretical point of view it can be justifiably termed a revolution. Utilizing the current literature on theories of revolution, it examines whether the events constituted a revolution or some other form of irregular political challenge such as a coup d'état or popular uprising. The overall conclusion is that although a revolutionary situation arose in the country in 1989, a revolutionary outcome is not yet assured.