In Defence of Gradualism

In recent years, the idea of revolution has captured the imagination of many, with movements and ideologies advocating for sweeping changes to society’s structures. The allure of radical transformation—whether rooted in Marxism or other revolutionary doctrines—offers the promise of a new social order, a break from the past, and a vision of a brighter future. However, this vision often overlooks a crucial question: what happens after the revolution?

Society is a complex and fragile system, where even minor changes can have far-reaching consequences. Attempting to completely overhaul this system can lead to unintended and often disastrous outcomes. History is filled with examples where the pursuit of fundamental change has not led to utopia, but to disintegration, civil war, and chaos.

The very fault lines that governments once managed—whether ethnic, religious, or economic—can suddenly erupt when the existing order is dismantled, unleashing a wave of disorder that is difficult, if not impossible, to control.

One of the fundamental problems with revolutionary ideologies is their focus on the end goal—a new social order—without a practical plan for the transition. The rhetoric of total transformation may sound appealing, but the reality is far more complicated. When society’s structure is abruptly altered, it often resists.

This resistance can manifest in many forms, from civil unrest to outright war. In the absence of a clear and practical roadmap, the aftermath of revolution often sees the rise of new power struggles, where the most powerful and cunning individuals seize control. These new rulers, often having emerged from violent or criminal backgrounds, may be more corrupt and ruthless than those they replaced.

Because these changes are brought about through violence and bloodshed, the new society that emerges is often steeped in conflict and chaos. The absence of a peaceful transfer of power, as seen in stable democracies, allows antisocial elements and powerful goons to rise to power by making false promises to the people. Over time, the populace may come to realize that the new order is worse than the old, as the new leaders continue to perpetuate the cycle of corruption and oppression.

Moreover, revolutions tend to unleash forces that were previously kept in check. When the established order collapses, so too does the delicate balance that maintained peace. What often follows is a period of anarchy, where the rule of law is replaced by the rule of might. Social fault lines—whether along class, ethnic, or ideological lines—become flashpoints for conflict. Instead of the promised utopia, society can descend into a nightmare of violence and disorder.

The key lesson from history is that meaningful and lasting change is not achieved through abrupt, wholesale transformation, but through gradual, incremental steps. Change that is implemented slowly allows society to adapt and evolve without the risk of destabilization. It preserves the delicate balance that holds society together while addressing the underlying issues that demand reform.

Revolutionary ideologies may capture the imagination with their grand visions, but they often fail to account for the complexities of human society. Without a clear and realistic plan for what happens after the revolution, the dream of a new social order can quickly turn into a nightmare. History has shown time and again that when societies attempt to leap into the unknown, they often fall into chaos.

As one reflects on the calls for radical change in various parts of the world, it is worth considering the lessons of the past. Change is necessary and often urgent, but it must be pursued with caution, wisdom, and a clear understanding of the consequences. Revolution without a roadmap is a dangerous gamble, and the stakes are nothing less than the stability and well-being of society itself.

Mahatma Gandhi once wisely remarked that the nature of the seed determines the fruit. A society whose foundation is built on bloodshed and violence can never be a peaceful one, for the seeds of conflict are sown in its very beginnings. The society born from such a revolution is inherently flawed, riddled with fault lines and perpetually teetering on the brink of further conflict and civil war.

Only by pursuing change through nonviolence and careful, deliberate reform can we hope to build a stable and just society. Society is the result of conventions, traditions, customs, and wisdom that have evolved over time. When someone attempts to change all of this at once, the entire social structure and order risk disintegrating.

By: Imran Khurshid is a scholar specializing in Indo-Pacific studies with a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Kashmir.