Introduction
Revolutionary wars have rampaged the world throughout its history. Seen as rightful upheavals, they have aimed to change the existing balance of power within societies and countries paving the way for changing the political system through coup d’états or, more rarely, radical reforms. This paper hypothesizes that revolutionary wars stems from the insurgents’ action aimed at seizing power and the desire of counter-insurgent forces to uphold the existing regime.
Revolutionary Wars
First of all, while in a conventional war, any of the belligerents can be the initiator of the conflict, only one side – the rebels – can start a revolutionary war. Counterinsurgency actions, in this case, are only a consequence of the uprising. Insurgent activity is seen as the implementation of the policy of a particular party within the country by any means. Insurgency is not like a conventional war because it can begin long before the rebels resort to the use of force.
Secondly, there is a major difference between the opposing camps in the revolutionary war. The very nature of such a war presupposes the disproportion of forces of the opponents and the significant difference between their strengths and weaknesses. A comparison of the forces indicates the overwhelming superiority of the counter-insurgent forces in terms of tangible, material advantages (Scheipers, 2018). Having the usual capabilities for a legitimate government at home and abroad, these forces have diplomatic recognition, legitimate authority, and financial resources. So, it is not within their interest to begin a war as they seek to retain their power.
Thirdly, while the rebels have not yet clearly shown their intentions or engaged openly in violent actions, they represent only an indefinite, potential threat to the counterinsurgency forces. At this stage, the suppression of these forces does not necessitate great efforts on governmental part. The rebel forces, vise versa, have as yet no legitimate resources and leverages and seek to get them through violent actions.
Conclusion
Thus, it can be said that revolutionary wars are always started by opposed groups or groups that see themselves as such. Having material resources and legitimacy, the government seeks to retain its position rather then engage in an open warfare with its people. Revolutionary groups, vise versa, seek to topple the regime through force as they strive to get the material and political resources the government has.
Reference
Scheipers, S. (2018). On Small War: Carl Von Clausewitz and People’s War. Oxford University Press.