The ‘safety-lid’ model argues that revolutionary uprisings are frequent, but usually do not succeed because of repression by existing elites. Revolutions must therefore be preceded by the desta-bilization of existing elite coalitions such as a breakdown of governmental control or a relaxation of repressive measures. Skocpol’s famous model (Skocpol, 1979) suggests that rural uprisings can only be successful if the coalition between the state and the landed classes has weakened. In particular, she emphasizes the role of external shocks, such as international conflict that forces the state to increase military expenditures and raise taxes, which creates tensions with the landed classes. In those circum-stances rural uprisings can lead to revolutions. She empirically demonstrates her model for revolutions
in France, China and Russia.