On revolutions: Consider the consequences if they don't occur

As long as Ukrainians lack the skills for therapeutic social problem-solving (reforms), occasional surgical intervention (revolutions) remains necessary.

I won't delve into prolonged debates on whether revolutions are good or bad. Revolutions are like surgery for chronically ailing social life. Similar to medical treatments, sometimes this intervention can be riskier than the ailment itself, even leading to the patient's demise, as seen in many historical revolutions.

Yet, at times, the surgical approach accelerates what would have happened anyway, just later. If society is so diseased that no therapy works, blaming surgery for failure may be unjust. A 10% chance of recovery is better than a 100% chance of demise. Occasionally, the ailment has been untreated for so long that one intervention is not enough, so society has to repeat it a second time. Or the third time. And the fourth time. And if very unlucky, then even more times.

In plain view, the recurring analogy of revolutions as a surgical procedure is evident. Over the last 30 years, we've undergone this process three times, yet the cure remains elusive.

But there's no need for despair. England, after experiencing two revolutions in the 17th century, found the right path. On the other hand, France resorted to bloodletting four (and a half) times: in 1789, 1830, 1848, and 1871, almost experiencing another in 1968. Revolutions frequently disrupted Spain. There are few exceptions, like the Scandinavian countries.

Therefore, on the upcoming Maidan anniversaries, don't ponder excessively on whether revolutions bring more harm or good. Consider the consequences if they don't occur. In 2012 in Russia and 2020 in Belarus, revolutions faltered. Did the residents of these countries significantly benefit?

Ideally, avoiding revolutions is preferable. However, if the ailment persists, fearing the scalpel is futile. There will come a day when revolutions in Ukraine will be history, but for now, let's pay tribute to those who sacrificed their lives to offer others a chance.

Let's not squander this chance.

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About the author: Serhii Hromenko, journalist, security expert

The editors do not always share the opinions expressed by the blog authors.