gen Z Fuels Protests Worldwide, Challenging Political and Economic Systems
LONDON – A surge of demonstrations across multiple continents, spearheaded by Gen Z activists, is reshaping the landscape of political and social unrest. From Peru to Nepal, young people are leveraging digital platforms to mobilize, voice discontent with established systems, and demand change, signaling a potentially transformative wave of generational activism.
These protests, often ignited by specific grievances like economic inequality and perceived government corruption, are coalescing into a broader expression of frustration with the status quo. Experts suggest this global movement represents a fundamental shift in how dissent is organized and amplified, with lasting implications for political stability and policy-making worldwide. The ease of digital communication allows for rapid mobilization and the sharing of tactics, creating a networked resistance that transcends national borders.
In Peru, recent protests against President Dina Boluarte’s economic and social policies saw demonstrators, many from Gen Z, clashing with riot police in Lima’s San Martin plaza on September 20, 2025, as documented by the Associated Press. These demonstrations reflect widespread anger over economic disparities and a perceived lack of responsiveness from the government.
Concurrently, in Nepal, Gen Z activists utilized TikTok, Instagram, and X to highlight the perceived lavish lifestyles of politicians’ children, contrasting them with the economic realities faced by the majority of the population. this digital campaign successfully galvanized support for rallies and spurred discussions about potential interim leadership, including suggestions made on the Discord gaming platform.
“whatever movement happens, whether against corruption or injustice, it spreads through digital media. the same happened in Nepal. The changes that took place after the Gen Z protests in Nepal spread globally through digital platforms, influencing other countries as well,” explained protester Yujan Rajbhandari. He added that the movement has awakened not only young people but also older generations, fostering a sense of global citizenship and the power of digital connectivity.
The effectiveness of these digitally-driven movements lies in their ability to bypass traditional media gatekeepers and directly engage with a broad audience. This allows for the rapid dissemination of data, the coordination of protests, and the amplification of marginalized voices.
Analysts predict this trend will continue, with Gen Z increasingly utilizing digital tools to challenge existing power structures and advocate for systemic change. The protests in Peru and Nepal serve as potent examples of this emerging dynamic, suggesting a future where youth-led, digitally-organized movements play an increasingly prominent role in shaping global events.
Associated Press journalists Franklin Briceño in Lima, peru, and Niranjan Shrestha in Kathmandu, Nepal, contributed to this report.