Ivan Krastev argues that five revolutions over the last 50 years have shaped the political culture we live in now. While each revolution gave way to progress, they also eroded trust in democratic institutions. Below, you can find more information on three of those revolutions:

The cultural and social revolution of the 1960s and 1970s was a pivotal era of profound change, marked by a radical shift in societal norms, values, and attitudes, primarily in Western societies. A strong push for civil rights, anti-war movements, feminism, and a broader quest for individual freedom and expression characterized this period. It was a time when youth culture rose to prominence, challenging traditional authorities and questioning established social structures. The era witnessed landmark events and movements, such as the Civil Rights Movement in the United States, the student protests of May 1968 in France, the anti-Vietnam War demonstrations, and the rise of counterculture epitomized by the hippie movement and iconic gatherings like Woodstock. The impact of this period extended beyond politics into art, music, and literature, fostering a creative explosion that reshaped popular culture. The legacy of the 1960s and 70s continues to influence contemporary society, making it a fascinating subject for anyone interested in understanding the roots of many modern social and political developments.

The market revolution of the 1980s was a significant shift in economic policy and ideology, predominantly in Western countries, characterized by a move towards free-market capitalism. Spearheaded by figures like U.S. President Ronald Reagan and UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, this era departed from the Keynesian economics that had dominated the post-World War II period. Key features included deregulation of industries, privatization of state-owned enterprises, reduced government spending on social programs, and an emphasis on individual entrepreneurship and competition. This period also saw significant tax reforms to stimulate investment and economic growth.

The end of Communism, a defining global event of the late 20th century, refers to the late 1980s and early 1990s when Communist regimes in Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union collapsed, leading to profound political, economic, and social changes. This period was marked by a series of events, starting with reform movements within the Communist countries, notably Mikhail Gorbachev's Glasnost (openness) policies and Perestroika (restructuring) in the Soviet Union. The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 became a symbolic moment, representing the collapse of Communist control in Eastern Europe. These events were followed by the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, leading to the emergence of multiple independent states. This transformative era ended the Cold War, a dramatic shift in global political dynamics, and the transition of former Communist states towards democratic governance and market-oriented economies.

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