What would it take to start a revolution in UK/USA in today's world?

[Lord Tomyris]

Well, do you think a 'revolution' of any kind is possible in these countries - or indeed, any other prosperous western countries - today? And if it was, what kind of revolution do you think it would be- a 'conserving' revolution, or 'a leap into utopian darkness'? What form do you think it would take- violent or relatively peaceful? Mass numbers involved, or a small coup? Purely hypothetical scenario, but could be interesting to see everyone's thoughts!

[Dunecat]

Some corporation would have to sponsor it.

Otherwise, a revolution won't happen. People are too wrapped up in their own story.

[Lord Tomyris]

Some corporation would have to sponsor it.

Otherwise, a revolution won't happen. People are too wrapped up in their own story.

Haha a revolution sponsored by Coca Cola, could be interesting!

[Holger Danske]

An alliance between Wall Mart and Tesco...

[Yorkshireman]

Not likely in the UK now Eastender's and Corrie are on 6 days a week. There's only saturday free and thats 'Celebrity come dancing' and 'Britains got Talent' night. Maybe closing the pubs down would cause massive unrest, but apart from that I can't see it, people have got too much stuff these days to want violent upheaval.

[Mikelus Trento]

1. A breakdown in basic services....water, electricity, food distribution
2. No means of tender...ie, currency worthless
3. Disproportionate distribution in services relative to class
4. Censorship of communication and information
5. Abuse by the military

That would do it I suspect.

[Smeel]

A military coup, maybe. Something like the spanish revolution, with a military elite with traditionalist, nationalistic values. Of cource, it would lead to a new dark age in european history. Revolutions come in waves, if one junta could succeed in a coup, other will try in their own countries.. I'm betting the 21th century will come down to an age of more conservatism, cultural xenophobia and religious strife, these first 9 years are only the beginning. [/tinfoil hat]

[cristophe el perno]

Yorkshireman is right, Eastenders is the opiate of the masses.

We Britons are too apathetic too seriously rebel. We protest occasionally, but I think the government knows that haven't got the will to actually overthrow them, however bad they get.

[Helm]

Extreme economic hardship coupled with a military conflict of some kind.

[Pontifex Maximus]

Moved to the academy.

[removeduser_487563287433]

Missing three meals.

[Phier]

Missing three meals.

This.

[Каие]

In Britain: If the PM failed to call an election or simply refused to.
In USA: If a non-right wing Thatcherite is elected.

[Lord Tomyris]

In Britain: If the PM failed to call an election or simply refused to.

Imagine Gordon Brown declaring himself 'Supreme Leader'...reminds me of a dream I had where Obama was crowned first King of the United States, due to his resounding popularity throughout America...

[manofarms89]

Imagine Gordon Brown declaring himself 'Supreme Leader'...reminds me of a dream I had where Obama was crowned first King of the United States, due to his resounding popularity throughout America...

Who would crown him? The pope?

[Oldgamer]

... Obama was crowned first King of the United States, due to his resounding popularity throughout America...

That would do it! (slaps 40-rounder in AR15a2 ...)

[Bovril]

In order to moblise the ground swell of popular unrest necessary for a revolution (rather than a coup), there has to be something for normal people to get restive about. Poverty, or more precisely inequality of wealth, is nearly always the main factor in industrial societies, although catalysts are necessary to set the ball rolling.

[Azog 150]

Prohibition in the UK.

[BNS]

Prohibition in the UK.

And in the U.S.. The banning of fire arms could also have some serious repercussions. I think the most likely scenario would be the collapse of the dollar.

[Azog 150]

And in the U.S.

Didn't they already do that? I can't remember any instances of revolution.

Anyways, I was mostly joking (Although it certainly would not go down well- there would be mass riots and protests for sure)