This volume re-examines the meaning of revolution as a useful concept in politics. It traces the history of the concept from its ancient beginnings, but especially in connection with the idea of progress since the French Revolution. More recent statements are examined as a prelude to arriving at a less deterministic, entrenched definition than has often been the case, but which retains the idea of revolution as a potential window and facilitator of change. The Cuban, Nicaraguan and Grenadian revolutions are compared, using techniques derived from John Stuart Mill and perfected by Theda S. Kocpol. Emphasis is placed on the conditions which facilitated the making of these revolutions, the social forces which led the process in each case and how these factors came together to affect the extent of popular empowerment in the post-insurrectional landscapes. The author contends that none of these revolutions suggests that there is a predetermined, "progressive" path which various states must inevitably follow. Revolutions occur as a result of conjecture, accumulated experience and contingency. Despite the incompleteness and unfulfilled promise of all these revolutions, they suggest, to different degrees, that real human agents in the rare revolutionary opening do have the potential to make history and effect positive changes, if they can learn from the accumulated errors of the past. Brian Meeks has a PhD in government. He is also the author of "Grenada: Social Formation and People's Revolution" and "The Grenada Revolution: Political and Economic Documents".

Caribbean revolutions and revolutionary theory: An assessment of Cuba, Nicaragua and Grenada (Warwick University Caribbean studies)

History

Brian Meeks

Americas

Macmillan Caribbean

<p>The New World Group (NWG) came to prominence during the post-independence era of the early 1960s to the early 1970s. Founded by Lloyd Best, the NWG encouraged a rethinking of accepted models and practices in politics, economics and development by presenting alternatives which spoke to the realities of Caribbean society. The Group was able to extend its reach to the wider Caribbean, including Puerto Rico, and even North America, through distribution of a fortnightly journal published in Guyana, a quarterly journal published in Jamaica as well as numerous pamphlets. Divided into three parts, The Thought of New World: The Quest for Decolonisation critically examines the significant contributions of the New World Group to Caribbean political and economic thought while setting the stage for a renewal in thinking regarding issues affecting the region. The first part, Reflecting, consists of essays by former associates and members of the New World Group Norman Girvan, James Millette, David de Caires, Kari Levitt and Vaughan A. Lewis who give insight into the group s philosophies and their relevance for the current state of global and regional political and economic affairs. The second part, Imagining, includes essays largely from a new generation of thinkers Dennis A. Pantin, Kirk Meighoo, Patricia Northover, Michaeline Critchlow, Paget Henry and David C. Wong who submit new perspectives on the thought of NWG. The third part, Remembering, is an in-depth interview with Lloyd Best in which he discusses the origins of the New World Group while revealing many of the important moments which shaped his life. The Thought of New World: The Quest for Decolonisation will be an informative volume for academic and general readers alike. As very little has been written on the New World Group, students will benefit from the accounts of those involved in the group in its heyday as well as the group s philosophies which continue to stimulate Caribbean thought.</p>

Caribbean Reasonings: The Thought of New World, The Quest for Decolonisation

Biographies & Memoirs

Norman Girvan

Leaders & Notable People

Ian Randle Publishers,Jamaica

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Books by Brian Meeks