Over the course of the last decade, the people of Country X experienced a slight expansion of their rights and economic conditions—women’s suffrage was expanded, more political parties were allowed to organize and compete, and per capita income increased slightly. A large middle class began to desire a continuation of this trend toward full democracy, yet the illiberal regime in power refused to enact additional reforms at the pace the people desired. Opposition groups formed and a popular, violent revolution began against the state. What category of explanation best represents this overall process?