pseudorevolution means A political event resembling, but not actually, a revolution. Lexicurio rates it Sui generis — a strength score of 85 out of 100.
Why “pseudorevolution” is a great word
PSEUDOREVOLUTION — [Noun] A political event or movement that superficially resembles a revolution but lacks its genuine transformative character or success. From the combining form pseudo- (from Greek pseudēs, meaning "false") + revolution (from Latin revolutio, "a turn around"). Unlike a "revolution," which achieves a fundamental overthrow, or a "reform," which is an acknowledged modification, a pseudorevolution is a theatrical production of upheaval that leaves foundational structures intact. It is the televised storming of a vacated ministry, the ceremonial toppling of a statue whose architect still drafts the blueprints, and the triumphant announcement of a new era from the same old broadcasting tower—a pantomime of rupture whose final act is the curtain falling on the same old stage.
Etymology
From pseudo- + revolution.
noun
- A political event resembling, but not actually, a revolution.“Never mind if it takes three weeks to ship oil to China and three days to the United States: Chávez wants to parlay his petrorevenue and pseudorevolution into a global anti-American role.”