Re-Appraising Revolution and Change in International Politics: A
Case Study of America Revolution 1776, French Revolution 1789
and Russian Revolution 1917
Change and continuity are characteristics of human history. Strategic change in any society
has significant impacts that becomes reference points for similar transformation in the near future.
Fundamentally, the numerous internal upheavals that characterized North Africa and Middle East that
culminated in a change of government in these countries has raised fundamental question about
subject of change and revolution. Such questions include: is every change a revolution and does every
revolution culminate in a change? What are the distinguishing features of change and the significance
of such change for contemporary international politics? Using secondary data derived from books,
and journals, the paper therefore examines the revolution and change in international politics drawing
from historical examples of America and France Revolution. Also, noting the causes and implications
of these of revolution on International Relations. It also seeks to distinguish between socio-political
upheaval and internal disruptions that may culminate in change from revolution, that is, a vital change
that affects institution, structure and value system of a society. The paper recommends a cautious use
of the term revolution from change of government