<p>Reinforced concrete (RC) structures are widely recognized for their favorable formability, fire resistance, and structural performance. Nevertheless, numerous collapse cases have been reported under both natural hazards and human-induced incidents. Many of these failures were disproportionate and progressive, where the loss of a primary structural member triggered a chain reaction of failures. Although seismic loading can initiate such local damage and disrupt load paths, progressive collapse has conventionally been treated only as an abnormal loading case. Consequently, its occurrence during major earthquakes—often considered rare—has not been systematically included in standard seismic design procedures. This study reassesses progressive collapse from the perspective of seismic design. A historical review of earthquake-induced failures is presented, extracting lessons from past collapses. The adequacy of special seismic detailing in providing the required redundancy and integrity is critically evaluated in this context. A state-of-the-art review of experimental, numerical, theoretical, and probabilistic studies is also provided, bridging the gap between progressive collapse research and seismic design practices. Current code provisions are discussed and compared to highlight their shortcomings. Furthermore, innovative preventive approaches and risk-mitigation strategies are examined, with their advantages and limitations briefly outlined. Finally, recommendations are offered to guide the future development of seismic design codes. The novelty of this work lies in reframing progressive collapse as an integrated component of seismic design procedure and highlighting the path toward developing future standards that explicitly address this critical failure mechanism.</p>