Gen Z movements reshape political landscapes across South Asia

Gen Z-led movements are fundamentally reshaping the political landscape of South Asia, driven by economic frustrations, digital savvy, and a demand for political accountability. In Nepal, one year has passed since the Gen Z movement erupted in response to corruption, lack of transparency, and poor governance. While the movement led to a change in government and the rise of the National Independent Party under Prime Minister Walendra Shah, questions remain regarding whether the new administration is fulfilling the movement's core aspirations for systemic change.

Across the broader region, youth-led uprisings have yielded diverse outcomes. In Myanmar, the military crackdown on protests following the 2021 coup led to a protracted civil war involving civilian defense forces. In Sri Lanka, the 2022 Aragalaya movement, triggered by economic collapse, resulted in the resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa through constitutional pressure rather than armed conflict. In Pakistan, protests following the arrest of Imran Khan were met with military deployment and internet shutdowns, illustrating the varying ways established regimes respond to youth-driven challenges to the status quo.