Periphery Revolutions in World-System Perspective, 1821-1985

Abstract

Periphery revolutions from 1821 to 1985 are surveyed in light of the world-system perspective. Theoretical propositions regarding secular trends and cycles are tested for revolutionary activity and success. Revolution is shown to vary with the trends as well as the rhythms—world-leadership cycle and Kondratieff longwaves—of the world system. Although an upward trend in revolutionary activity is observable, no such growth of revolutionary success is evidenced. Revolutionary activity increases during Kondratieff upswings; revolutionary success is more common during the deconcentration phase of the world-leadership cycle. The implications of the findings for world-system stability are discussed.