In the Global South, youth activism is on the rise, with individuals under the age of 18 making up over half the population in many countries. This demographic is proving to be more agile and proactive than previous generations, less constrained by the traditional ties of family, social status, or established careers. However, this same group faces significant challenges, including marginalization, high unemployment rates, and pervasive poverty. Additionally, their relative inexperience and the insecurity that often accompanies youth make them vulnerable to exploitation by unscrupulous politicians, criminal organizations, and extremist groups.
Armed with social media, young activists are increasingly mobilizing to express their grievances and demand change. This surge in digital organizing has pushed authorities to crack down on online platforms, often backfiring as restrictions tend to fuel further protests rather than quell them.
The current wave of youth-led movements, primarily driven by Generation Z—those who have grown up in a fully digital environment—reflects a collective yearning for social justice and equity. South Asia, in particular, has witnessed a series of monumental protests in recent years, highlighting the discontent simmering beneath the surface.
In July 2022, Sri Lanka faced an unprecedented uprising that culminated in the fleeing of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa amidst a crippling economic crisis marked by soaring inflation and severe shortages of essential goods. Just two years later, Bangladesh saw widespread protests culminating in the end of Sheikh Hasina’s long-standing rule, while violent demonstrations in Nepal this September forced Prime Minister Khadga Oli to resign.
Though the immediate triggers for these upheavals varied, they all stemmed from long-standing grievances, including stark wealth disparities, rampant nepotism, and a pervasive culture of corruption. Young people specifically rallied against entrenched political dynasties that favored a privileged elite, thereby marginalizing the broader populace.
In Sri Lanka, the 2022 protests, dubbed the “Aragalaya” or “Struggle,” were ignited by extreme hardship. The population faced daily power outages, rampant inflation, and critical shortages of fuel and food. On March 25, thousands of young people took to the streets, demanding a complete overhaul of the political system that had long favored the Rajapaksa family. This dynasty had dominated Sri Lankan politics for years, with multiple family members holding key positions of power.
Historically, the Rajapaksa regime had garnered support through an emphasis on nationalistic sentiments, particularly among the Sinhalese majority. However, as the economic situation deteriorated, public sentiment shifted dramatically, leading to calls for accountability and systemic reform. Despite the resignation of Gotabaya Rajapaksa and the appointment of Ranil Wickremesinghe as acting president, the government portrayed the Aragalaya movement as chaotic and infiltrated by extremist elements, attempting to delegitimize the youth’s demands for change.
The aftermath of the protests has seen the rise of the National People’s Power (NPP), a left-leaning political coalition led by Anura Dissanayake. While many supporters hoped for significant reforms, the NPP has so far maintained continuity with the preceding government’s policies, raising doubts about its commitment to the radical changes that the populace desires.
Similarly, Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, is navigating a treacherous political landscape filled with violence and unrest. The Awami League, once a dominant force, has been sidelined due to its history of corruption and oppressive governance. Although Yunus has promised “the most beautiful elections ever” in February 2026, skepticism remains regarding their feasibility in a climate rife with political violence.
The youth in Bangladesh have been particularly vocal about issues of job quotas that they perceive as discriminatory. Protests erupted in July 2024 when the Supreme Court reinstated a quota system favoring the descendants of freedom fighters from the 1971 liberation war. This decision was widely interpreted as a strategic move by the ruling party to secure loyalty from its traditional base, further igniting student-led protests.
Nepal, too, has witnessed the emergence of discontent among young citizens who feel overlooked by a political elite that prioritizes family connections over accountability. Prime Minister Khadga Prassad Oli, who began his political career advocating for the oppressed, has faced criticism for failing to address the growing economic challenges facing the youth. With daily mass emigrations in search of better opportunities, the youth unemployment rate in Nepal stands alarmingly high, at over 20%.
In early September, the Nepali government attempted to quell dissent by blocking access to 26 social media platforms, citing the need to combat misinformation and hate speech. However, this move only intensified public outrage, particularly as many young people were already frustrated by the disparity between their economic realities and the lavish lifestyles of politically connected elites, which they observed on social media.
The resulting chaos saw Kathmandu erupt in flames, with significant government buildings targeted by protesters demanding accountability and reform. The historical backdrop of Nepal, which transitioned from a monarchy to a federal democratic republic in 2008, adds complexity to the current situation, as past governance failures continue to haunt the nation.
In the wake of these upheavals, the question now looms: will the newly emergent political leaders in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal be able to bring about the transformative change that their youth so desperately seek? The political landscape is fraught with uncertainty, and much may depend on the influence of India, the region’s dominant power. As India’s own democracy faces challenges under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist agenda, the implications for neighboring countries—where millions of migrants seek refuge and work—could be dire.
As South Asia grapples with the ramifications of these youth-led revolutions, the potential for both positive change and further instability hangs in the balance. The path forward will certainly require navigating a complex web of historical grievances, socio-economic challenges, and the urgent demands of a youthful population ready to assert their rights and reshape their futures. This analysis is just the beginning of exploring how these youth movements could redefine political scenarios, both regionally and globally.
