'Return of Tyranny: Why Counterrevolutions Emerge and Succeed'

This talk will present research featured in the recently published book, Return of Tyranny: Why Counterrevolutions Emerge and Succeed, by Killian Clarke. 

Why do some revolutions fail and succumb to counterrevolutions, whereas others go on to establish durable rule? The book answers these questions, marshalling original data on counterrevolutions worldwide since 1900 and new evidence from the reversal of Egypt's 2011 revolution. It develops a movement-centric argument, which emphasises the strategies revolutionary leaders embrace both during their opposition campaigns and after they seize power. 

Movements that wage violent resistance and espouse radical ideologies establish regimes that are very difficult to overthrow. By contrast, democratic revolutions like Egypt's are more vulnerable, though the book also identifies a path by which they too can avoid counterrevolution. In an era of resurgent authoritarianism worldwide, this talk will shed light on one particularly violent form of reactionary politics.