[maxk42]

History proves this is the most effective way to promote rapid change.

[kaonashi]

Though not always the one you would have wanted.

[eksith]

Change, yes. Though not always in the direction you expect. Or desire.

[zhemao]

As Egypt has shown, this is the quickest way to replace one power-hungry sociopath with another.

[jamesaguilar]

You can easily change which despot rules you via this method.

[moocowduckquack]

I dunno. I think there has been more social change through the introduction of technologies than through coups and revolutions. Things like the motor car or the telephone cause seismic shifts in a culture.