Throughout history, periods of profound political, economic and social upheaval have often reshaped nations for generations. Journalist Greg Reese argues that the world may once again be approaching one of those defining historical moments, drawing parallels between the revolutionary era of the late eighteenth century and the political climate emerging in 2026.
Report by INR
His latest commentary, An Age of Revolution Returns, examines the philosophical origins of revolution, the influence of Enlightenment thinkers, the role of secret societies in historical events, and what he believes are striking similarities between today's world and the period surrounding the American Revolution.
The Revolutionary Spirit of America's Founding
Reese begins by highlighting what many historians consider one of the most radical political statements ever incorporated into a nation's founding document.
The United States Declaration of Independence, principally drafted by Thomas Jefferson, declares that when government becomes destructive to the rights it was created to protect, "it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it."
Jefferson expanded on this principle throughout his correspondence. In letters written after independence, he repeatedly argued that periodic resistance against tyranny was not only inevitable but healthy for preserving liberty.
Among his most frequently quoted observations were:
"A little rebellion now and then is a good thing."
and
"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants."
While controversial by modern standards, Reese argues these writings reflected an era in which many believed governments ultimately derived their legitimacy from the consent of the governed.
An Era That Changed the World
According to Reese, the American Revolution did far more than establish a new republic.
He notes that within just fifty years the world experienced an extraordinary succession of revolutions:
- The American Revolution (1775)
- The French Revolution (1789)
- The Haitian Revolution (1791)
- The Latin American independence movements beginning in 1810
Rather than viewing these as entirely separate grassroots uprisings, Reese explores arguments made by several researchers who contend that international philosophical and organisational networks played a significant role in spreading revolutionary ideas across continents.
Freemasonry and Revolutionary Networks
One of the central themes of Reese's presentation is the historical involvement of Freemasonry.
He notes that many prominent figures associated with the American Revolution—including Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, Paul Revere and John Hancock—were members of Masonic lodges.
According to Reese, these lodges became meeting places where Enlightenment ideas concerning liberty, representative government and individual rights were debated and refined.
Although Freemasonry itself originated within Britain, Reese observes that many influential American Masons ultimately aligned themselves with the Patriot cause during the Revolutionary War.
The Illuminati Connection
Reese also examines claims surrounding the Bavarian Illuminati, founded by Adam Weishaupt in 1776.
He notes that some researchers believe networks linking various Masonic organisations and the Illuminati facilitated communication among revolutionary figures throughout Europe.
Reese references claims that a meeting held in Wilhelmsbad in 1782 helped forge cooperation between various secret societies prior to the outbreak of the French Revolution.
These historical interpretations remain the subject of considerable debate among historians. While the existence of the Bavarian Illuminati is well documented, scholars continue to disagree over both its influence and the extent of its connections with wider revolutionary movements.
Jüri Lina's Alternative Interpretation
A substantial portion of Reese's report discusses the work of Estonian journalist and author Jüri Lina.
According to Reese, Lina argues that international Freemasonry, elements of international banking and revolutionary political movements formed interconnected networks that influenced major historical events.
Reese summarises Lina's position that revolutionary movements in America, France and later Russia followed similar organisational patterns and represented successive stages in a broader geopolitical transformation away from traditional monarchies and toward secular republican systems.
Lina's work also includes claims concerning the relationship between prominent Bolshevik leaders, financial interests and Masonic organisations.
These interpretations are not widely accepted within mainstream historical scholarship, where many historians dispute both the evidence and conclusions presented. Nevertheless, Reese argues they remain influential among researchers examining alternative perspectives on revolutionary history.
A Modern Age of Political Upheaval
Moving from history to the present, Reese contends that many Western nations are experiencing growing political instability.
Public confidence in governments, financial institutions and international organisations has declined across many countries. Rising living costs, widening political divisions, increasing public debt and debates over national sovereignty have all contributed to growing dissatisfaction among sections of the population.
Reese argues that these conditions bear similarities to the social pressures that existed before earlier revolutionary periods.
The Astrological Parallel
One of the more unconventional aspects of Reese's presentation concerns astrology.
He argues that several long-term planetary cycles are returning to positions similar to those present during the American Revolution approximately 250 years ago.
According to Reese, these include:
- Pluto moving from Capricorn into Aquarius, associated with the breakdown of old power structures.
- Uranus returning to Gemini, symbolising technological disruption and revolutionary change.
- Saturn aligning with Neptune at the beginning of Aries, representing new political cycles.
- Neptune entering Aries, which Reese associates with ideological movements centred on freedom and conflict.
He notes that on 4 July 2026—the 250th anniversary of American independence—the planetary alignment above Philadelphia will closely resemble that of 1776.
Astrology is not recognised as a scientific discipline, and its interpretations are matters of personal belief rather than empirical evidence. Reese presents these alignments as symbolic indicators rather than verifiable predictors of political events.
Analysis
Reese's commentary combines documented historical events with interpretations drawn from alternative historical research and symbolic astrological analysis.
The philosophical foundations of the American Revolution, Jefferson's writings, and the involvement of many Founding Fathers in Freemasonry are well-established historical facts.
Other elements—including claims regarding coordinated Masonic-Illuminati influence over multiple revolutions and broader theories advanced by Jüri Lina—remain highly contested and are not part of mainstream historical consensus.
Regardless of where readers stand on these debates, Reese raises broader questions that resonate in today's political climate:
- How much public trust should governments expect before meaningful reform becomes necessary?
- Are modern democracies becoming increasingly disconnected from the populations they govern?
- Does history move in repeating cycles, or are today's crises fundamentally different?
- What role do elites, institutions and transnational networks play in shaping political change?
As nations across the world confront rising geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty and increasing public dissatisfaction, these questions are likely to become more prominent regardless of whether one accepts Reese's broader conclusions.
Source
Original Commentary: Greg Reese — An Age of Revolution Returns