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Lockdowns, riots and revolutions
The link between epidemics and revolution has been noted throughout history. KEITH FLETT takes a look
A plague doctor

GUARDIAN editorials are often ponderous affairs bordering on the pious but a commentary on the ending of lockdown at the beginning of July suddenly opined that “Revolutions are not inevitable” and went on to note that sharp jolts to the system often saw “normality” return later.

It sounded rather like the Guardian urging its readers to keep calm in the face of possible social upheaval, which they might applaud around the world but be more doubtful about closer to home.

There certainly is a link between epidemics of disease, their impact and social unrest.

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