Gen Z–Led Uprising in Nepal: Ripple Effects in South Asia, and Why India's Robust Democracy Makes Uprisings Unlikely and Unnecessary
Gen Z–Led Uprising in Nepal: Ripple Effects in South Asia, and Why India's Robust Democracy Makes Uprisings Unlikely and Unnecessary Dr. Asif Nawaz Assistant Professor Hamdard Institute of International Studies Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 9013228794 | draasifnawaz@gmail.com In the volatility of international relations, youth-led movements have emerged as decisive agents of political and social transformation, often signalling underlying systemic and deeper discontent within nations. These uprisings, characterized by their spontaneity, digital amplification, and demand for immediate accountability, challenge the traditional paradigms of state sovereignty and governance stability. Nepal’s Gen Z uprising in September 2025 serves as a clear example—what began as a response to a government-imposed social media ban rapidly escalated into nationwide unrest. Within days, protests intensified, resulting in the resignation of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli and the destruction of key ...