Stephane Hessel and the Handbook of the Revolution

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"In Egypt and Tunisia, that came from people wanting to replace entire systems that were corrupt and oppressive with ones designed to reflect wider public will," Hessel says. "In places like the U.S. and the U.K., people aren't seeking the replacement of the system or government, but rather demanding they once again attend to the needs and desires of wider society. They're saying, 'This isn't working for us anymore, so it must be corrected and repaired to function as it's supposed to.'"

The greatest source of the current global indignation, he suggests, are the superwealthy and financial servants and markets that work for them, and the influence they now command over governments everywhere. "Despite the different forms they're taking, virtually all these movements in the world today are trying to break the political power and hold that the oligarchy of the rich, financial markets, and powerful [business] lobbies have on not just governments, but entire political systems," says Hessel. "That hold is strong on all governments, whether right or left — which becomes clear when you look at how similar policies have been under a conservative regime like the one in Germany, or a Socialist majority in Spain. They've all begun acting in the same general manner and lead in the same general direction because they're all responding to the pressure and interests of people and organizations with the most money. Elections have become a formality, since we're getting the same sort of action no matter who wins."

Things have progressed so far in this direction, Hessel warns, that it's going to take "a very long time, and require much determination, effort and patience" of protesters to start forcing real change. "Public pressure and visibility make it difficult for governments to act once movements against injustice have taken form and gotten moving, but that eventually gives way to the imperative of reaffirming the status quo and defending powerful interests," Hessel says. "But that action in one country can't directly effect movements elsewhere, which feed off one another. This has become a truly global movement, as people in vastly different countries see that the social injustices and ecological threats they face are present in other forms and degrees elsewhere. People are seeing that what they do locally, as part of a global movement, has both local and global consequences. Fighting for what's right at home gets added strength as being part of a global quest for justice."

Given its global influence, Hessel's book hasn't had much traction in his home country, France. "It is curious," he agrees. "But I believe the reason for that is because France is heading toward a presidential election, and that much of the opposition and resistance to Nicolas Sarkozy's leadership is taking the form of institutional confrontation — through opposition political parties, for now." He adds, "This may change in France for the same reason movements have formed elsewhere, however. Protests have begun where people have recognized all parties — and indeed the entire system — have stopped acting in their interests, or those of wider society. Because of that, only real change, the movement is destined to continue and spread until people are placed back at the center of government action and priority."