Subversion involves the intention to overthrow a regime or system of power.
Before entering 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 subversĭo , which would derive from the verb subvert. This acts as a synonym for disrupting or destroying.
The concept of subversion is related to a rebellion , an alteration or damage , especially in the moral sense. The word has Latin origins and, originally, was applied to various issues, such as the fall of a town due to the failure of its army . For example: "The government is worried about a new outbreak of subversion in the northern jungles" , "The Army is committed to fighting subversion" , "Subversion of norms always causes problems in an institution" .
Starting in the 14th century , it began to be used in the English language in reference to issues in the legal field and, a century later, it began to be used in relation to 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 power , such as the State .
Historical examples of subversion
In this way it can be determined that all actions such as a coup d'état 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 serve as an example of what we are exposing would be the following: “Antonio Tejero carried out a subversive act in Spain that ultimately did not achieve the results he expected.”
In this case, it must be emphasized that this type of actions, classified as subversion, have taken place in very different historical periods and also in various parts of the world. Thus, for example, in Argentina during the military dictatorship that ended the government carried out by María Estela Martínez de Perón (Isabel Perón) the term in question was widely used.
More precisely, the Military Junta that 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.
Subversion can be developed through guerrilla action.
Differences with sedition
Subversion is related to sedition , although they are not synonyms: the latter constitutes an uprising that is manifested openly and directly against authority, while subversion is something more silent or hidden, which is carried out with stealth.
In this way, subversive activity 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 sedition , sabotage, treason or espionage , are defined as subversive activities.