Archive · 27 Oct 2025
Gen Z's Protests: South Asian Youth Challenging Regimes
Young people in South Asia, called Gen Z, are protesting against their governments because they are unhappy.
They are frustrated with leaders and worried about the future.
Protests have already led to government changes in some places.
However, these protests, though sometimes successful, could potentially lead to violence and instability.
History shows violent revolutions can backfire and lead to worse outcomes.
Gen Z needs to focus on building fair and effective institutions for their countries to succeed.
Youth-led protests are occurring across South Asia, including Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.
Protests are driven by frustration with governments and concerns about the future.
Some view these protests as expressions of youthful revolutionary fervor, while others fear instability.
Protests have led to regime changes in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
Building effective institutions is a key task for Gen Z after regime change.
- Who
- Gen Z (youth)
- What
- Protesting against corrupt regimes and authoritarianism
- When
- Starting in January 2022
- Where
- South Asia (Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka)
- Why
- Frustrations with non-performing regimes and a bleak future
Optimistic View
Cautious View
Impact of Protests
Optimistic View
Protests are fervent expressions of the revolutionary zeal of Gen Z.
Cautious View
Violent uprisings may not lead to positive outcomes
Future Outcomes
Optimistic View
Protests may create new opportunities for collaboration, democracy, and development.
Cautious View
Such uprisings are prone to violence, instability, and authoritarianism
- Region
- South Asia
- Key Actors
- Gen Z (youth)
- Protests in
- Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka
- Focus
- Corrupt regimes, authoritarianism
- Outcome in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh
- Regime change