Abstract

The chapter sets revolution in the context of the postcolonial era, formed by the repression of local traditions wrought by imperialism, and the resurgence of local identities in response. It understands revolution not only as the overthrow and seizure of political power but as the social and economic transformation of society. This connects revolution to the issue of reformation, understood as the critique and transformation of one’s religious or cultural tradition, with the aim of unlocking resources for revolution and liberation. Through an engagement with revolutionary thinker Amilcal Cabral of Guinée-Bissau’s liberation from Portuguese rule, and Ali Shariati, Islamic thinker and revolutionary of the Pahlavi regime in Iran, the chapter discusses the possibility of liberation through tradition rather than from tradition, and of resistance built on reformation rather than reaction. The pivotal role of the guiding concept of authenticity is highlighted, where authenticity could be understood as neither reified nor empty but rather constructed through a contextual and historical praxis.