This article attempts to review the latest research in the field of the theory of revolutions in order to identify the causes of “color revolutions.” The article shows that modern theorists of revolutions mostly focus on the same factors: elite conflict, weak ruling regimes, economic problems, ethnic/clan/economic clashes, corruption, etc. However, some scholars propose completely new approaches to studying the causes of revolutions. For example, L.E. Grinin and A.V. Korotaev explore revolutions through the prism of a global approach – from the perspective of the world system. Another well-known scholar, Mark R. Basinger, emphasizes for the first time the liberal paradigm as the main structural factor in promoting democratic values through a bloodless revolution. One of the leading experts in the theory of revolutions, J.A. Goldstone, shows that, in addition to structural factors, it is also important to consider the international component, as well as internal cultural, ideological, and social contradictions in society. S. Levitsky, along with T.U. Lucan, argues that the main reason for revolutions is related to conflicts within the elites. C. Tilly contends that one of the most important causes continues to be the mobilization of the masses in the revolutionary process. D. Ritter demonstrated that an unarmed revolution can succeed in the fight against a dictatorial regime only if the latter’s hands are constrained in its use of repressive forces against protesters; dictators are most effectively constrained when they rely heavily on the support of a powerful democratic regime.
socio-political destabilization; nonviolent protests; causes of revolutions; mass riots; regime change; corruption; color revolutions.