Historically, revolution as an inspirational concept has been based on an understanding, firstly, that in any place and time the extent of distress caused by man-made factors is intolerably high; secondly, that isolated small efforts are not adequate and more systemic change is needed to reduce significantly the intensity as well as the causes of distress; and thirdly, that it is possible for human beings to bring such big and systemic change.

It is now being said frequently that the world has changed in such ways that the concept of revolution is no longer relevant and has become outdated. The reality however is that the pressing need for revolution has actually increased in present times.

The word revolution has been used in many different ways, and sometimes it has been deliberately distorted to cause confusion. Hence it is important at the outset to state what exactly we mean by revolution. Revolution is discussed here mainly as a concept that inspires people, particularly the young, by conveying the basic idea that by making some very significant changes in a country or region or world it is possible to create in basic ways a more satisfactory, happier, more justice-based and safer world that would be free from the most of the avoidable injustices, distresses, discontents and high risks of the present situation.

Thus there are three components of the concept of revolution. Firstly, there is a clear recognition that there are very serious problems, injustices, inequities and distortions in the existing systems that result in avoidable massive distress and intolerably high risks. Secondly, it is possible to think of different systems in which most of these distortions and problems as well as the high levels of distress and risks these create can be avoided. Thirdly, it is possible for humanity to work for such basic changes at the level of a region, country or the world.

When some human beings live their life in conformity with such an understanding, in terms of their thinking, actions, work and living, striving most of the time to increase their understanding as well as to live their life in accordance with this, despite all limitations and problems, then they can deservedly be called revolutionaries.

They should be distinguished from reformists. While the reformists also try to reduce risks, injustice and distress, they do not have the wide vision that the revolutionaries have of wider and deeper changes. Hence the reformists are quite content generally with achieving limited gains, ignoring the reality that if the more basic causes of distress are not checked, if the wider forces at work are not confronted, then distress will continue to increase in other ways. Nevertheless reformists are also able to make many contributions because it is easier to work as reformists and many more people are able to work in this limited way. 

Many reformists are nice and sincere persons. Therefore instead of being hostile towards sincere and honest reformists the revolutionaries should appreciate the limited contributions they make, have friendship with them and try to convince at least some of them to have the much broader vision of the revolutionaries. In fact keeping in view the much bigger difficulties in implementing some of the ideas of revolutionaries, quite often they too are involved in milder reformist tasks, and their distinguishing feature is that even in such situations and times they keep intact their vision of wider and deeper change, and keep trying for this in whatever ways they can. 

The truth is more on the side of the revolutionaries. In the present day, world several hundred million people at world level are deprived of basic human needs. An even higher number face increasing stress and difficulty in meeting their basic needs. This happens at a time when wealth and income are increasingly concentrated at the top level in conditions of increasing inequalities. Despite massive ecological ruin being inflicted in the process of trying to find resources for a wide range of luxurious consumer goods, the needs of the poor are ignored. They suffer a double whammy as they also become the worst victims of the increasing environmental crisis. Along with climate change there are about a dozen serious environmental problems which are threatening the basic life-nurturing conditions of earth. At the same time increasing wars and conflicts not only cause enormous distress and destruction but in addition fuel a highly destructive arms race led by the accumulation and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. If just 5 to 10% of nuclear weapons are ever used, this will destroy most of the life of our world with its direct and indirect impacts. 

This very short description of the present world makes it clear that distress and risks are at an intolerably high level and the young generation is likely to grow up in times of very high and increasing risks. Hence the need for revolutionary change certainly exists.

One important objective of a world-level peaceful revolution, which must be brought about in highly participatory, transparent and non-secretive ways by mobilizing millions of people worldwide on a mutually consistent program based on justice, environment protection and peace, would be to significantly reduce the injustices and inequities, violence and wars of the present world so that all people are able to meet their needs in a satisfactory way without environment being put under intolerable levels of stress. All the dozen or so serious environmental problems need to be resolved before it is too late and tipping points are crossed. In addition ways of avoiding future wars and avoiding the highly destructive arms race have to be found, including elimination of weapons of mass destruction like nuclear weapons.

This is the task that revolutionaries have to accomplish within the next few decades before it is too late, and this has to be achieved within a framework of democracy and peace.

Hence there is no exaggeration in saying that the need for revolution is the greatest in present times as in addition to high levels of injustice and inequity as well as decline of democracy, above all the basic life –nurturing conditions of the planet are also badly threatened at present.

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Bharat Dogra is Honorary Convener, Campaign to Save Earth Now. His recent books include Protecting Earth for Children, Planet in Peril, When the Two Streams Met, A Day in 2071 and Earth without Borders.          

Featured image is from PopularResistance.Org

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