I have heard politicians, academics, journalists, and so-called subject matter experts discussing the need for another Russian Revolution to alleviate the West’s ongoing issues with the Russian regime. However, statistically speaking, perhaps the American and French Revolutions being exceptions, revolutions often fail to deliver on their promises. Here’s a look at key examples throughout history:

1. The American Revolution (1775–1783)

The American Revolution led to the formal declaration of the United States as an independent nation from Great Britain. Beyond the military conflict, it brought profound changes in American society, governance, and political thought, emphasizing republican ideals and rejecting monarchical rule. While it achieved its core goals, the U.S. continues to work toward its ideals of equality and democracy. It stands as one of the few revolutionary successes that provided long-lasting stability and progress.

2. The French Revolution (1789–1799)

The immediate outcome of the French Revolution was the rise of Napoleon and the bloody wars that followed. Napoleon’s greed led to disastrous campaigns, including his invasion of Russia, which contributed to his downfall. After his defeat at Waterloo, France entered a period of relative peace. Although the revolution introduced the ideals of citizenship, equality, and democracy, it took many years before France stabilized into the democratic republic it is today.

3. The Haitian Revolution (1791–1804)

Haiti’s revolution established it as the first black republic and the first nation in the Western Hemisphere to abolish slavery. However, Haiti remains plagued by poverty, political instability, and violence. While the revolution was a monumental achievement, today’s reality suggests that Haiti has not been able to capitalize on its revolutionary success.

4. The Russian Revolution (1894-1922)

Formally, the Russian Revolution that overthrew the Romanov dynasty began in 1917. However, some academics argue it started in 1894, when Tsar Alexander III died and Nicholas II took the throne. Regardless of the precise starting point, the revolution paved the way for the rise of the Bolshevik movement, Lenin, and eventually Stalin, whose regimes saw the deaths of an estimated 20 to 60 million Russians. What was promised as liberation instead led to decades of totalitarian rule, culminating in Putin’s long-lasting regime. It’s hard to argue that this revolution truly benefited the Russian people, as they continue to face repression and autocratic governance.

5. The Chinese Revolution (1911–1949)

Mao Zedong’s victory in the Chinese Communist Revolution established the People’s Republic of China. While China has achieved tremendous economic growth, it remains an authoritarian state with severe restrictions on freedom. Financially, China is prosperous, but socially and politically, the revolution’s results are more questionable.

6. The Cuban Revolution (1953–1959)

Fidel Castro succeeded in overthrowing the Batista regime in 1959, and Cuba became a communist state allied with the Soviet Union. Today, Cuba remains impoverished, and as I write this, the country is experiencing widespread electricity blackouts. The revolution that promised to uplift the Cuban people has instead left them in darkness—quite literally. Anyone claiming that the Cuban revolution was a success should reconsider.

7. The Iranian Revolution (1979)

The people’s Iranian Revolution overthrew the Shah and established an Islamic Republic under Ayatollah Khomeini. Many Iranians may not have foreseen the oppressive regime that followed. Today, Iran remains under an authoritarian theocratic government with significant restrictions on individual freedoms. The revolution replaced one form of autocracy with another.

8. Other Revolutions

In Latin America, the Wars of Independence (1808–1833) as well as the Mexican Revolution (1910–1920) also led to long periods of instability, coups, and authoritarian regimes. In Africa, countless coups have brought more tyranny and dictatorship, leaving many nations caught in cycles of violence and poverty.

Democracy vs. Revolution

Revolutions often promise change but rarely deliver long-term stability. Even democratic processes are not without flaws—Hitler came to power through elections, and Hamas governs Gaza. However, democratic processes tend to bring more legitimacy and stability than revolutions or coups. Some cultures, however, may naturally gravitate toward autocratic rule, and it’s important to recognize that democracy may not be a suitable solution for every society.

In conclusion, while revolutions may appeal to ideals of liberation and progress, history shows that they often fail to live up to their promises. Be careful what you wish for when advocating for revolutionary upheaval.

By Luis de Andrade