Dissent and demonstrations against an unpopular government has always been part of human history. Often a revolt failed, whilst on other occasions succeeded with far reaching consequences, but the images of open revolt by the average citizens of dozens of countries across the globe, is signaling that 2011 and 2012 could be the coming of age for a period of intense change.

The name Mohamed Bouazizi, would barely be remembered by most people, but the current mood of revolt sweeping much of the World, probably started when this unemployed Tunisian set himself alight in the outside the provincial headquarters of the town of Sidi Bouzid. Six weeks later, the Tunisian, and Egyptian governments had fallen, through a wave of people power.

Both these revolts have three things in common, the countries have a very young population, with the average age of 26. The majority of this generation are unemployed or underemployed, whilst they have been ruled often for more than two decades by an autocratic leader. This potent mix of hopelessness, and repression probably has ignited a real belief that change could only come by revolting against the system.

Add in the freedom of the internet, and easy communications through mobile phones. This Facebook, Twitter and You tube generation can organize a leaderless revolt, using our unofficial media, by-passing an old dependence on the official media to broadcast or publish the mass demonstrations seen on the streets of Cairo and Tunis- through a home made video on a mobile phone or a simple tweet.

The World in 2011 is at the edge of a great change, as unemployment has affected millions of young people across the globe, and a feeling of anger has been seen on the streets of Athens, Dublin and Paris. This anger is creating a generation that after the success of the uprisings in Algeria and Egypt, believes that real change and hope, could come through their own efforts, instead of through their leaders.

Signs are that a heavy handed response by the police, as seen in Tunis or Cairo has the opposite effect, and with millions of people turning to the unofficial media for news, only angers and adds to the crowds, whilst influences individual opinions in the West. This reflected in the shift from supporting Mubarak in Egypt by many leaders including President Obama, to suddenly officially synthesizing with the demands of the protesters.

The night of February 11th, 2011, when millions of Egyptians peacefully celebrated the end of an autocracy, may of been the beacon of hope for many who saw people can force change by themselves, throughout the globe.

Already this revolt has spread across the middle-east, but also signs of similar revolts have materialized in the streets of the Western World. And the big question remains, unless people have work, a real say in the way their governments are run, and what is perceived to be a fairer economy & society. Popular revolts could occur throughout the next few years, especially in countries ruled by an autocrat or have a majority of people facing economic hardship.

One reason many of our governments are looking uneasily at these revolts, especially if they cannot provide affordable food, and a way to make a living for their people. And this is one consequence of a little known Tunisian called Mohamed Bouazizi, who probably died, without realizing how his desperate action truly changed our World.