APC3703
Assignment 1 Semester 1 2025
Unique Number: 578593
Due Date: 4 April 2025
Introduction
The resignation of Algeria‘s long-time president, Abdelaziz Bouteflika, in 2019 marked a
significant political turning point in the country‘s modern history. Unlike the violent uprisings
of the Arab Spring in 2011, Algeria‘s Hirak movement was a peaceful yet powerful
revolutionary force that ultimately led to Bouteflika‘s removal. This movement emerged in
response to deep-seated socio-political and economic grievances that had been simmering
for decades. As Serres (2022) articulates, the concept of a ‗revolutionary situation‘
provides a useful analytical framework to understand the dynamics of this transition. This
essay critically evaluates the ‗revolutionary situation‘ that led to Bouteflika‘s peaceful ouster
by examining the political, economic, and social factors that contributed to the Hirak
movement. It also explores the role of state repression, the influence of historical memory,
and the broader regional context in shaping the uprising. By engaging with Serres‘ (2022)
perspective, this paper highlights the structural conditions that made this political transition
possible and discusses whether the movement can be classified as a true revolution.
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
Critically Evaluating the ‘Revolutionary Situation’ That Led to the Peaceful
Ouster of Bouteflika
Introduction
The resignation of Algeria‘s long-time president, Abdelaziz Bouteflika, in 2019
marked a significant political turning point in the country‘s modern history. Unlike the
violent uprisings of the Arab Spring in 2011, Algeria‘s Hirak movement was a
peaceful yet powerful revolutionary force that ultimately led to Bouteflika‘s removal.
This movement emerged in response to deep-seated socio-political and economic
grievances that had been simmering for decades. As Serres (2022) articulates, the
concept of a ‗revolutionary situation‘ provides a useful analytical framework to
understand the dynamics of this transition. This essay critically evaluates the
‗revolutionary situation‘ that led to Bouteflika‘s peaceful ouster by examining the
political, economic, and social factors that contributed to the Hirak movement. It also
explores the role of state repression, the influence of historical memory, and the
broader regional context in shaping the uprising. By engaging with Serres‘ (2022)
perspective, this paper highlights the structural conditions that made this political
transition possible and discusses whether the movement can be classified as a true
revolution.
Understanding the Concept of a Revolutionary Situation
The concept of a "revolutionary situation" has been a subject of extensive debate
among scholars of political science, sociology, and history. At its core, a
revolutionary situation refers to a moment in time when the existing political order
faces a profound crisis, making the possibility of radical change more likely (Serres,
2022). However, not all revolutionary situations lead to successful revolutions, as
factors such as state repression, elite control, and international influences can shape
the outcome.
Classical theorists such as Lenin (1917) argue that a revolutionary situation arises
when ―the lower classes do not want to live in the old way, and the upper classes
cannot carry on in the old way.‖ This perspective emphasizes the dual crisis of both
state legitimacy and popular dissatisfaction. Building upon this, Charles Tilly (1978)
provides a structuralist perspective, arguing that revolutionary situations occur when
Assignment 1 Semester 1 2025
Unique Number: 578593
Due Date: 4 April 2025
Introduction
The resignation of Algeria‘s long-time president, Abdelaziz Bouteflika, in 2019 marked a
significant political turning point in the country‘s modern history. Unlike the violent uprisings
of the Arab Spring in 2011, Algeria‘s Hirak movement was a peaceful yet powerful
revolutionary force that ultimately led to Bouteflika‘s removal. This movement emerged in
response to deep-seated socio-political and economic grievances that had been simmering
for decades. As Serres (2022) articulates, the concept of a ‗revolutionary situation‘
provides a useful analytical framework to understand the dynamics of this transition. This
essay critically evaluates the ‗revolutionary situation‘ that led to Bouteflika‘s peaceful ouster
by examining the political, economic, and social factors that contributed to the Hirak
movement. It also explores the role of state repression, the influence of historical memory,
and the broader regional context in shaping the uprising. By engaging with Serres‘ (2022)
perspective, this paper highlights the structural conditions that made this political transition
possible and discusses whether the movement can be classified as a true revolution.
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
Critically Evaluating the ‘Revolutionary Situation’ That Led to the Peaceful
Ouster of Bouteflika
Introduction
The resignation of Algeria‘s long-time president, Abdelaziz Bouteflika, in 2019
marked a significant political turning point in the country‘s modern history. Unlike the
violent uprisings of the Arab Spring in 2011, Algeria‘s Hirak movement was a
peaceful yet powerful revolutionary force that ultimately led to Bouteflika‘s removal.
This movement emerged in response to deep-seated socio-political and economic
grievances that had been simmering for decades. As Serres (2022) articulates, the
concept of a ‗revolutionary situation‘ provides a useful analytical framework to
understand the dynamics of this transition. This essay critically evaluates the
‗revolutionary situation‘ that led to Bouteflika‘s peaceful ouster by examining the
political, economic, and social factors that contributed to the Hirak movement. It also
explores the role of state repression, the influence of historical memory, and the
broader regional context in shaping the uprising. By engaging with Serres‘ (2022)
perspective, this paper highlights the structural conditions that made this political
transition possible and discusses whether the movement can be classified as a true
revolution.
Understanding the Concept of a Revolutionary Situation
The concept of a "revolutionary situation" has been a subject of extensive debate
among scholars of political science, sociology, and history. At its core, a
revolutionary situation refers to a moment in time when the existing political order
faces a profound crisis, making the possibility of radical change more likely (Serres,
2022). However, not all revolutionary situations lead to successful revolutions, as
factors such as state repression, elite control, and international influences can shape
the outcome.
Classical theorists such as Lenin (1917) argue that a revolutionary situation arises
when ―the lower classes do not want to live in the old way, and the upper classes
cannot carry on in the old way.‖ This perspective emphasizes the dual crisis of both
state legitimacy and popular dissatisfaction. Building upon this, Charles Tilly (1978)
provides a structuralist perspective, arguing that revolutionary situations occur when
