The problem with many revolutions is that the successful revolutionary party believes that the people cannot be trusted and must be better led–led by the party, that is. Hence a degree of compulsion is needed. Liberty, free speech and ‘opposition’ must be curtailed, at least for a while, until people see the benefits of the revolution. Human rights are a kind of post-revolutionary experience.
The Russian and Chinese revolutions are a good example of how easily things can go wrong. They were worse both in terms of living standards and human rights than the Western social democracies. Don’t even think about North Korea.
What then must we do to prevent future mistakes?
Graeme Kemp
Edinburgh
Don’t adopt ‘moderate flank’ strategy
Criminal legacy of London Olympics 2012
Drivers must demand better
