Georgia’s Rose Revolution of 2003, the first bloodless change of power in the Caucasus, occurred largely unpredicted by analysts and policymakers. Both Georgian and western observers feared and predicted yet another wave of bloodshed in this troubled former Soviet nation. Yet the enthusiasm, hard work, and nonviolent discipline of initially small groups sparked what many now call “Europe’s fourth wave of liberation.” “I did not think to pay serious attention to these young people running around with flags and drawing graffiti on the streets,” deposed President Eduard Shevardnadze said shortly after the revolution. “I was wrong,” he added.