The death of Muammar Qaddafi—a dictator who lived and died by the sword—is just one more seminal event in what has been, without a doubt, an exceptional year in the history of the world. It has been the Year of the Popular Protest, a fire that has left no corner of the globe untouched. The fever of revolution has spread from Tunisia across the Middle East, into Europe, and now even the United States, as people are demanding change from the powers that be on a global level.
Although it is still far from over, Qaddafi’s death crystalized just how momentous a year it has been. In two days, Tunisia, birthplace of the revolution, will be the first country to hold democratic elections. After that will likely be Egypt, where deposed President Hosni Mubarak—who ruled the country for 30 years—is on trial for the whole world to see.
Popular movements are still underway in Syria and Yemen—and we wish their people success—as well as cities across the world, which are occupying their financial centers to protest the exploitation of a crooked system. I think most of us will remember this year, where we were and what we did, for the rest of our lives.
In the small corner of the world where this magazine is based, we have been party to popular movements both large and small in 2011. Although some changes were made, it will likely take something far greater to bring about the type of transformation we all want to see. One thing I have learned this year, however, is to believe in the power of people and of my generation. If anyone is capable of making a difference, it is this one.
