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Rebellion, Violence and Revolution: A Rational Choice Perspective

Author

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  • Erich Weede

    (Department of Sociology, University of Bonn)

  • Edward N. Muller

    (Department of Political Science, University of Arizona)

Abstract

There are many rebellions, fewer successful rebellions, and extremely few social revolutions. First, the relative frequencies of elite and mass rebellions are investigated. Because a rational choice approach finds it easier to explain elite rebellions and a deprivation approach seems tailored to the explanation of mass rebellions, the relative frequencies of these two types of rebellion favor rational choice. Second, the small number of mass rebellions is related to military issues, such as loyalty and defeat in war. Although military defeat in war is neither close to a necessary, nor to a sufficient condition of successful rebellion, it still might multiply its likelihood. Third, it is argued that the link between international rivalries and great revolutions via ruler discouragement and rebel encouragement is compatible with a rational choice approach. Because it is obviously so important in revolutions, nationalist and religious zealotry needs to be integrated into rational choice approaches to rebellion and revolution.

Suggested Citation

  • Erich Weede & Edward N. Muller, 1998. "Rebellion, Violence and Revolution: A Rational Choice Perspective," Journal of Peace Research, Peace Research Institute Oslo, vol. 35(1), pages 43-59, January.
  • Handle: RePEc:sae:joupea:v:35:y:1998:i:1:p:43-59
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    Cited by:

    1. Bruno Frey & Alois Stutzer, 2005. "Happiness Research: State and Prospects," Review of Social Economy, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 63(2), pages 207-228.
    2. Carl Henrik Knutsen, 2014. "Income Growth and Revolutions," Social Science Quarterly, Southwestern Social Science Association, vol. 95(4), pages 920-937, December.

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