Revolutions – Appendix 7- The Entropy of Victory

Intro

In this episode of the “Revolutions” podcast, titled “Appendix 7- The Entropy of Victory,” the host explores the concept of the entropy of victory in revolutions. The episode delves into the challenges faced by revolutionary coalitions after achieving their initial goal of removing the sovereign. It examines the divisions and conflicts that arise among different factions within the revolutionaries and how these dynamics can impact the post-revolutionary period.

Main Takeaways

The Fragility of Revolutionary Unity

• The entropy of victory is a recurring theme in every revolution where unity of shared purpose turns almost immediately following the departure of the sovereign.
• The revolutionary coalition was united in removing the obstacle of the sovereign, but now that it’s gone, the unity may not last.
• The defecting opposition part of the ruling class pledges to do all that the revolution promised, but when the booze wears off, the revolutionaries may realize they have different interests.

The Divide Between Salon and Street Revolutionaries

• The divide between salon revolutionaries (educated supporters who do revolution through talking, writing, and moving money around) and street revolutionaries (commoners who do revolution with barricades, paving stones, and guns) is defined by economic and social class.
• The goals and interests of the salon and street revolutionaries are different, with the salon revolutionaries wanting to restore order and the street revolutionaries wanting to keep pushing until all the bastards have been overthrown.
• The divisions that lead to post-revolutionary entropy are more subtle than just class conflict, with different species of salon revolutionaries immediately joining in combat with each other for post-revolutionary ascendancy.

Different Factions and Ideological Spectrum

• The most conservative of revolutionaries want the absolute minimum number of changes and reforms necessary to re-secure order and return society to the way it had been before the revolution.
• The party of resistance wants to undo offensive actions of the sovereign and implement limited reforms to prevent future offenses.
• The party of movement believes that revolution should establish a framework for continuous renewal and reform.
• Radicals believe that popular forces in the streets should be the main focus of the post-revolutionary program and tend to be more democratic in their politics.
• It is difficult to predict where individuals will fall on the post-revolutionary ideological spectrum, and socio-economic class may not be a reliable indicator of political affiliation.

Conflicting Goals and Divisions

• Different factions within the popular masses have conflicting expectations and desires, such as urban workers wanting cheap bread and peasants wanting land and fair prices for their grain.
• Geographic divisions can lead to questions about where power should reside, and there is a divide between centralization and devolution of power.
• Interpersonal conflicts can proceed ideological, geographic, religious, or class considerations.
• The entropy of victory sets in quickly after a revolution, making it difficult to agree on what happens next.
• Divisions among revolutionary factions can lead to civil wars and provide opportunities for conservative reactionaries to undo the revolution.

Summary

The Fragility of Revolutionary Unity

In every revolution, the unity of purpose that brings together a coalition of revolutionaries starts to crumble once the sovereign is removed. The initial shared goal of removing the obstacle of the sovereign may no longer be enough to keep the coalition united. The defecting opposition, which was part of the ruling class, may pledge to fulfill the promises of the revolution, but as time goes on, the revolutionaries may realize that they have different interests and priorities. This leads to the entropy of victory, where unity dissipates and divisions emerge.

The Divide Between Salon and Street Revolutionaries

The divide between salon revolutionaries and street revolutionaries is not only defined by economic and social class but also by their differing goals and interests. Salon revolutionaries, often from the educated class, aim to restore order and stability, while street revolutionaries, the commoners who actively participate in the physical aspects of the revolution, want to continue pushing for further change and overthrowing those in power. The divisions within the revolutionary factions are not solely based on class conflict but also involve different species of salon revolutionaries competing for post-revolutionary ascendancy.

Different Factions and Ideological Spectrum

After a revolution, different factions emerge with varying ideological perspectives. The most conservative revolutionaries seek minimal changes and reforms to restore order and return society to its pre-revolution state. The party of resistance aims to undo the offensive actions of the previous sovereign and implement limited reforms to prevent future offenses. The party of movement believes in continuous renewal and reform, establishing a framework for ongoing change. Radicals prioritize the power and potential of popular forces in the streets and tend to have more democratic political leanings. It is challenging to predict where individuals will fall on the post-revolutionary ideological spectrum, as socio-economic class alone may not be a reliable indicator of political affiliation.

Conflicting Goals and Divisions

Within the popular masses, conflicting goals and divisions arise. Different factions have varying expectations and desires, such as urban workers seeking affordable bread and peasants advocating for land ownership and fair grain prices. Geographic divisions also come into play, raising questions about power distribution and the centralization or devolution of authority. Interpersonal conflicts can cut across ideological, geographic, religious, or class considerations, further complicating the post-revolutionary landscape. The entropy of victory sets in quickly, making it challenging for revolutionaries to reach consensus on the way forward. These divisions among revolutionary factions can even lead to civil wars, providing opportunities for conservative reactionaries to undermine the revolution.

Conclusion

The aftermath of a revolution is marked by the entropy of victory, where the unity and shared purpose that brought revolutionaries together begin to disintegrate. Divisions emerge, fueled by differing interests, ideologies, and goals. The fragility of revolutionary unity becomes apparent as factions within the revolutionaries clash with each other, potentially leading to civil wars and opportunities for conservative reactionaries to undo the revolution. Understanding and navigating these post-revolutionary dynamics are crucial for the long-term success and stability of any revolution.