We cordially invite you to the 5th GAS Lecture Series on December 18th (Mon), 2023. This event will be held both online and in-person. To join this event, please fill in the registration form below.
Title: Toward the Global Comparison of Revolutions
Speaker: Prof. Hiroshi MITANI
Research Fellow, Research Department, The Toyo Bunko
Professor Emeritus, The University of Tokyo
Chair・Discussant: Pattajit Tangsinmunkong, Assistant Professor, Institute for Advanced Studies on Asia, The University of Tokyo
Abstract:
This lecture will provide a summary of our comparative studies on revolutions. Our research began with an analysis of the Meiji Revolution. Contrary to common belief, this revolution was among the most radical, as it dismantled the hereditary status system through the restoration of a monarch. The death toll was quite a few, about 32,000, compared to other revolutions such as the French Revolution with domestic casualties of 645,000. This fact leads us to reconsider the concept of revolution that was disseminated from the Bolshevik revolution to the world during the 20th century. It enables us to recognize the existence of other revolutions that established republics with monarchies. Second, we will examine the intensity of violence during the revolutions. It is hard to obtain the data that enables us to perform a valid comparative analysis. Yet, I believe it is possible by a cautious approach. The data illuminates the fact that the intensity of violence varied from revolution to revolution and from time to time in the course of a revolution. I hope this attempt contributes to the conception of less violent reforms in the future.
Date and time: December 18 (Mon), 2023, 10:00 AM-12:00 PM (JST)
Format: Hybrid
Venue:
- On-site: Main Conference Room (303), Institute for Advanced Studies on Asia, The University of Tokyo
- Online via Zoom
Registration: https://u-tokyo-ac-jp.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEkcO-vpjsuEtQ9CQOc2x9bnibu0LGEWUNI
Language: English
Organizer: GAS Initiative
Contact: gas[at]ioc.u-tokyo.ac.jp
