Caught in the Crossfire: Revolution, Repression, and the Rational Peasant

by David T. Mason

Overview

Caught in the Crossfire presents a multifaceted explanation of why people participate in something as dangerous and uncertain as a revolutionary movement. Beginning with an analysis of the grievances that motivate peasant participation in political movements, the book also explores the additional factors_leadership, resources, and strategies_required to mobilize peasants for collective action. Collective action itself need not be violent, but a repressive state response can quickly transform a reformist movement into a revolution. Mason shows how different strategies on the part of various actors can result in a government victory, a rebel victory, or a negotiated settlement. The book concludes with a look to the future: Will the emerging trends toward political democratization and economic globalization make revolution in the countryside more or less likely?

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780742525382
Publisher:	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	02/16/2004
Pages:	328
Product dimensions:	6.52(w) x 9.18(h) x 0.92(d)

About the Author

T. David Mason is professor of political science at the University of North Texas, Denton.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Preface Chapter 2 The Puzzle of Revolution in the Third World Chapter 3 Theories of Revolution: The Evolution of the Field Chapter 4 Dependent Development and the Crisis of Rural Stability Chapter 5 Mobilizing Peasant Social Movements Chapter 6 The Response of the State: Reform or Repression? Chapter 7 State Repression and the Escalation of Revolutionary Violence Chapter 8 Win, Lose, or Draw: How Civil Wars End Chapter 9 Reform, Repression, and Revolution in El Salvador Chapter 10 Peruvian Land Reform and the Rise of Sendero Luminoso Chapter 11 The Future of Revolutions in the Countryside: Globalization, Democratization, and Peacekeeping

Editorial Reviews

Mason has produced a highly effective review of scholarship and perspectives on peasant/rural-based civil wars—defined as revolutions aimed at overthrowing the government and wars of secession when the goal is separate sovereignty. This impressive work is well organized and thorough. It offers instructive reading for public scholars and public policy makers in an era that continues to see revolts resultant from economic inequality and ethnic and religious divisions within weak states. Highly recommended.

Choice Reviews

Civil war has rent major parts of the Third World since World War II. How and why? T. David Mason here brings together theoretical insight, extensive evidence, and long observation of rural conflicts in a new, valuable synthesis.

Charles Tilly

....[The book's] strength lies in lucid and comprehensive explanations of the various theories of social movement, reflecting the author's many years of scholarship in this area.

Political Science Quarterly

Mason has produced a highly effective review of scholarship and perspectives on peasant/rural-based civil wars—defined as revolutions aimed at overthrowing the government and wars of secession when the goal is separate sovereignty. This impressive work is well organized and thorough. It offers instructive reading for public scholars and public policy makers in an era that continues to see revolts resultant from economic inequality and ethnic and religious divisions within weak states. Highly recommended.

CHOICE

Mason has produced a highly effective review of scholarship and perspectives on peasant/rural-based civil wars—defined as revolutions aimed at overthrowing the government and wars of secession when the goal is separate sovereignty. This impressive work is well organized and thorough. It offers instructive reading for public scholars and public policy makers in an era that continues to see revolts resultant from economic inequality and ethnic and religious divisions within weak states. Highly recommended.

Choice

Civil war has rent major parts of the Third World since World War II. How and why? T. David Mason here brings together theoretical insight, extensive evidence, and long observation of rural conflicts in a new, valuable synthesis.--Charles Tilly, Joseph L. Buttenwieser Professor of Social Science, Columbia University

....[The book's] strength lies in lucid and comprehensive explanations of the various theories of social movement, reflecting the author's many years of scholarship in this area.--Political Science Quarterly

Mason has produced a highly effective review of scholarship and perspectives on peasant/rural-based civil wars--defined as revolutions aimed at overthrowing the government and wars of secession when the goal is separate sovereignty. This impressive work is well organized and thorough. It offers instructive reading for public scholars and public policy makers in an era that continues to see revolts resultant from economic inequality and ethnic and religious divisions within weak states. Highly recommended.--CHOICE

From the Publisher