The Corrective Revolution
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The Corrective Revolution is an expression used in Arab politics by several governments, to give a "revolutionary" touch to an internal political or bureaucratic power struggle, and also to indicate continued adherence to the ideals of an earlier revolution despite the overthrow of its previous leadership and/or major policy changes. In the cases presented below, the "revolution" amounted to little more than rhetorical cover for a coup d'êtat within the ruling elite. Compare/contrast with the Maoist cultural revolution in China, where violent ideological battles were fused with an intra-party power struggle.
1. The Corrective Revolution was the name of Anwar Sadat's change of policies after assuming power in Egypt, after the death of Gamal Abdel Nasser. His ascent to power began in October 1970 and the Corrective Revolution reached full bloom in early 1971. It involved purging anti-Sadat government members, often considered pro-Soviet and leftwing, and drumming up popular support by presenting the takeover as a continuation of the 1952 revolution, while at the same time radically changing track on issues of foreign policy, economy and ideology.
2. The Corrective Revolution is also the name used for the military-pragmatist faction's takeover within the Baath party regime of Syria in 1970, bringing Hafez al-Assad to power. It was directed against the dominant ultra-leftwing faction of the party, and to a large extent provoked by what Assad and his supporters saw as adventureous and irresponsible foreign policies (notably the Syrian intervention in the Black September conflict in Jordan, after which the Black September Palestinian faction was named). As a result of the coup, de facto leader Salah Jadid was ousted and the party was purged.
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