How is analyzing and modeling revolution different from analyzing international conflict?

Reading Assignments: 2 and 3

Module 2 Forum notes

Johnson, Chalmers, Revolutionary Change, 2d edition, (Stanford: Stanford University Press, 1982).

Waltz, Kenneth, Man, The State and War, (New York: Columbia University Press, 2001).

Module 2 Forum (please create forum and add the paragraph below. Denise will add a topic later.)

Participate in Module 2 Forum by making at least two contributions of at least 125 words each in response to the forum question/topic. One of the contributions should be a response to the comments of another student.

Written Assignments:

Johnson Review: Discuss Chalmers Johnson, Revolutionary Change (about 1000+ words), considering especially the following:

Main Thesis: Summarize the main ideas of the book in one or two paragraphs totaling not more than 200-300 words. What is the author trying to demonstrate or assert? What does the author say are the larger reasons that support his or her thesis? What reasons does the author give for the need to adopt the thesis of the book? This should be a value-free summary, i.e., it does not evaluate how well the author makes their case and whether you are convinced by it.
Source Analysis: Give a general description of the author’s sources and how they are used. Are they current in respect to the publication date of the book? Do the opinions cited represent a wide range of views? If some sources or authors are not mentioned, does the author say why they have not used them?
Critique: How well does the author make the proposed/intended case? Describe how the overall argument is structured, along with its strengths and weaknesses. What levels of data and analysis are used? Does the author use his or her evidence responsibly? Are there inappropriate rhetorical devices or emotional appeals? Does the author give proper consideration to evidence that does not support the thesis?
Other Reviews: Summarize the evaluations of other notable reviewers for this book. Search the Virtual Library for published reviews.
Points to consider:
What is “revolution”?
What differentiates “revolution” from “rebellion”?
How is analyzing and modeling revolution different from analyzing international conflict?
How does “political terrorism” differ from “state terrorism”?
What ideas do you find particularly relevant to current or recent events?