There has been a moment in the history of every society when it just clicks — as if a part of the human brain itself triggers some fundamental, innate call to action — and the people rise up to overthrow those with power. For each group, the justifications, means and motivation for this revolution differ, but one thing remains constant: people power has consistently triumphed over aloof, out-of-touch elites.

Sometimes this is for the better, such as the case with the British and American revolutions more than 200 years ago, and sometimes it is for the worse, such as the October revolution in Russia. But the fact remains that it is the growing pain of a mature society — tragically and heroically, the blood of brave young souls giving their lives for freedom seems fundamental to the very existence of it.

However, over the past few years, the world has seen more consecutive revolutions than there have been seen since those of 1990 or 1848. The specifics behind these revolutions differ wildly from one another, but what is particularly peculiar is the bloodless nature of these revolutions.

Look at Georgia, a post-Soviet state firmly under the boot of its ex-communist leader Eduard Shevardnadze for much of the past decade. In late 2003, the Georgian people won their freedom — not with guns, bombs or blood — but with the might of a single rose, held aloft on the floor of their parliament. The “Rose Revolution” — an image for the ages, no doubt, but simply the first of many in these historic times.

Look at Ukraine, another post-Soviet state, where citizens through the simple power of mass protest demanded a fair election to determine their own future. Rather than stand by as Russia did its damnedest to control the results that favored its own interest, the people of Ukraine took their future into their own hands. And what future did they choose? A future with the West under Victor Yushenko and his victorious “Orange Revolution.” This stemming from a former state very close to the heart of the Soviet Union.

And most recently, look at Lebanon. Like Ukraine, a state controlled by the will of another for so long (in this case, Syria) stands up and demands the resignation of its government. For days, protesters filled Martyr’s Square in Beirut, the threat of violence constantly apparent, until they proved victorious. This “Cedar Revolution,” as it is now being called, comes at a time as much of the Middle East is beginning to catch up with the rest of the world.

But wait — the good news doesn’t end here. With free elections held for the first time in Iraq just a month ago, millions of Iraqis braved the danger presented by the terrorist insurgency to shape their own future. Disappointingly, Iraq’s “Purple Revolution” was not bloodless, and it is unlikely that the violence will completely vanish very soon. However, events such as these seem evidence enough that the world is poised for dramatic change of historic proportions.

And that’s just the list of states undergoing formal, rapid and fundamental change — don’t forget the recent elections in Palestine. The hope for peace in much of that region has never been as great, and the reality never as close to fruition.

Rose, Orange, Cedar and Purple. Four revolutions in less than two years.

Each of these important events gives us hope that indeed democracy will not only spread out toward everyone who suffers under the rule of others but also serves to increase faith in the prospect that American policies are actually working. Who could have imagined such spectacular change around the world four years ago?

While there is little doubt as to whether or not the revolutions of Georgia, Ukraine and Lebanon are evidence of the progress of people power, it is extremely unlikely, particularly in Lebanon, that such events would have occurred with an indifferent, relatively hands-off American foreign policy. The Bush administration’s aggressive approach has had results, shaking the status quo of the world around, helping move the people of the world toward self-governance and liberty.

Any history buff knows that the American Revolution ended in 1783. But as the call to arms for the disenfranchised people of the world continues to spread, America must stand ready to help move events toward such ends. And we must do this, not merely for the interest of American citizens, but for the spread of freedom itself.

Zach Stern ([email protected]) is a senior majoring in political science.