Definition of
Subversion
Before going fully into determining the meaning of the word subversion It is interesting that we undertake the exposition of its etymological origin. Specifically, we find it in Latin and more precisely in the term subverse, which would derive in the verb to subvert. This exercises as a synonym for upsetting or destroying.
The concept of subversion is related to a rebelliona disturbance or a damageespecially in the moral sense. The word has Latin origin and, originally, it was applied to various issues, such as the fall of a town due to the failure of its army. For example: “The government is concerned about a new outbreak of subversion in the northern jungles”, «The Army promised to fight against subversion», “The subversion of the norms always causes problems in an institution”.
From XIV centurybegan to be used in the English language in reference to themes of the legal field and, a century later, it began to be used in relation to the monarchies. Little by little, the word subversion began to acquire its current meaning, which refers to attempts to undermine the foundations of a system of powerAs the State.
- Historical examples of subversion
- Differences with sedition
- Related Topics Tree
Historical examples of subversion
In this way it can be determined that all those actions such as a coup are a subversion, a way of trying to destroy the regime, monarchy or government reigning at that time in a specific place. A sentence that can be used as an example of what we are exposing would be the following: “Antonio Tejero carried out a subversive act in Spain that finally did not achieve the results he expected”.
In this case, it must be emphasized that this type of action, classified as subversion, has taken place in very different historical periods and also in various parts of the world geography. Thus, for example, in Argentina during the military dictatorship that ended the government led by María Estela Martínez de Perón (Isabel Perón) the term at hand was widely used.
More precisely, the Military Junta, which was in charge of the country at that time of disappearances, atrocious crimes, human rights violations, and maximum violence, used the term subversion to refer to everything, actions or people, that was palpably contrary to that aforementioned dictatorship. Thus, students, journalists or psychologists with ideas contrary to this period of horror were classified as subversive people.
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Differences with sedition
Subversion is related to the seditionalthough they are not synonymous: the latter constitutes an uprising that manifests itself openly and directly against authority, while subversion is something more silent or hidden, which is carried out stealthily.
In this way, the subversive activity It consists of collaborating and providing material or spiritual support to people, groups or organizations that seek to overthrow a government through force and violence, that is, a revolution.
Voluntary activities that are carried out against the interests of a government and that cannot be considered as sedition, sabotagetreason either espionageare defined as subversive activities.
See also: Violence