In search of a theoretical approach to the analysis of the 'Colour revolutions': Transition studies and discourse theory

The article aims to identify a theoretical framework which would be able to provide explanation for the cases of political mobilization during the 'Colour revolutions' in Georgia, Ukraine and Kyrgyzstan. It reviews the existing literature on the topic, which is predominantly oriented by the 'transition paradigm'. The major shortcomings of this literature are identified: the privileging of either structure or agency when accounting for social change, a strong emphasis on the role of elites and insufficient attention to collective agency. Accordingly, I argue that the methodology of poststructuralist discourse theory may importantly supplement the 'transitological' framework owing to its ability to conceptualize the dynamic interdependence between structure and agency, as well as the formation of collective political identities. (C) 2009 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of The Regents of the University of California.