In the past, different years have been labeled as significant for protests, such as 2011 with Occupy Wall Street and the Arab Spring, and 2019 being considered the “year of the protest.” However, experts now suggest that 2025 could potentially surpass them as a new wave of protests, known as Gen-Z protests, gains momentum worldwide.
Shana MacDonald, a communication researcher at the University of Waterloo, believes this surge in protest culture will likely become a global phenomenon. Recent youth-led protests in Nepal, Morocco, and Madagascar have garnered attention for their online mobilization efforts and calls for change in response to issues like government corruption and inefficiency.
Each country has its unique set of demands driving the protests. In Morocco, the focus is on social justice reforms and public service standards ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup. Meanwhile, Madagascar protesters are highlighting the dire state of electricity and water supplies, and in Nepal, the demonstrations stem from allegations of long-standing corruption and nepotism, leading to the resignation of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli.
Similar youth-led movements have also sprung up in the Philippines, Indonesia, Serbia, Kenya, Paraguay, and Peru, indicating a broader trend of discontent fueled by governance failures, limited opportunities, and widening social disparities. Michelle Chen, a communications expert at Brock University, emphasizes that Gen Z globally is facing challenges amid political instability, economic polarization, and a tough job market, shaping their activism.
The power of social media in uniting voices and driving collective action is evident in these protests. Online platforms like TikTok and Instagram have played a crucial role in organizing demonstrations and amplifying grievances. As technology facilitates rapid mobilization, it enables young people to perceive shared struggles and injustices, fostering a sense of collective action against authorities.
While youth-led protests are not entirely new, the digital landscape has revolutionized their scale and reach, making mobilization more accessible. This shared online experience of inequality and injustice is shaping a generation that views protest as a legitimate tool for expressing dissent. Looking ahead, the ongoing Gen Z protests could signify just the beginning of a broader global movement challenging the status quo and advocating for change.