Gen Z Politics: Transforming Global South Activism

Imagine scrolling through Instagram and catching a live video from a young activist in Mumbai exposing a scam in government hiring. Within hours, it’s racked up thousands of shares, sparking street protests that force officials to rewrite the rules. That’s the raw power of Generation Z, born between 1997 and 2012, who’ve grown up with smartphones as an extension of their hands. Raised amid climate chaos, job scarcity, global health crises, and regional tensions, they’re a far cry from older generations who relied on community halls or All India Radio for news. Gen Z taps into apps like WhatsApp, TikTok, and Signal to rally people, scrutinize broken systems, and sometimes aim for leadership roles.

As of 12 September 2025, Gen Z is driving seismic shifts across the Global South—Latin America, Africa, South Asia, and the Middle East. They’re not just casting votes; they’re launching campaigns, shaping public opinion, and demanding transparency. A key factor is their skepticism about democracy’s effectiveness. Recent studies show they cherish open dialogue but question whether the system delivers real benefits. Some lean toward a decisive leader who can cut through bureaucratic delays.

Gen Z’s Complex View on Governance

Gen Z’s perspective on democracy is like a half-cooked biryani—full of flavor but not quite ready. They stand strong for fairness, free speech, and equal opportunities, but doubt the system works. A 2025 study found that 62% of young adults value core democratic elements like fair elections, yet only 36% believe it tackles pressing issues like climate change or social inequality (Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement [CIRCLE], 2025). Around 31% show a “take it or leave it” attitude, feeling the system doesn’t serve them, so they’re open to alternatives like a strong leader who gets things done without endless debates. Another 7% are outright frustrated, clinging to democratic ideals but so fed up with its flaws that they’re willing to consider bold actions, including protests.

This skepticism extends beyond wealthy nations. A 2023 survey across 30 countries revealed that 35% of 18- to 35-year-olds are okay with a leader who bypasses elections, compared to 20% of older generations (Open Society Foundations, 2023). In regions like Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East, 42% of youth are fine with military rule if it delivers results. A 2025 survey showed 52% of Gen Z, aged 13 to 27, prefer a strong leader over democratic governance, with 47% wanting a complete societal overhaul (Channel 4, 2025). Online discussions highlight how lockdowns, soaring rents, and unfulfilled promises—like Nepal’s administrative failures—make democracy feel like an empty slogan when leaders fail to act.

Yet, there’s optimism. Gen Z places immense value on rights. A 2024 survey found 95% of global youth oppose governments restricting rights based on appearance, religion, or identity (Friedrich Naumann Foundation, 2024). Their frustration stems from democracy feeling like a sluggish bullock cart, especially when corruption or red tape stalls progress. Their drive for change, amplified by digital platforms, is shaking up traditional systems worldwide.

Gen Z’s Global Impact

Gen Z’s influence on politics varies by region, but their energy is a common thread. Let’s take a journey through key areas to see their efforts in 2025.

Latin America: Voices of Change

In Latin America, Gen Z pushes for reform amid economic turmoil and social unrest. In Brazil, young voters backed green policies in 2022, helping elect a progressive leader, but 2025 online posts show frustration over persistent Amazon deforestation (Inter-American Development Bank, 2025). They use platforms like X to share satellite imagery, holding the government accountable. In Chile, Gen Z led the 2019 protests for better education and healthcare, using Instagram to organize rallies that influenced a new constitutional draft. In Argentina, 60% of 16- to 24-year-olds supported a conservative leader in 2023, drawn to his pro-market stance, reflecting their openness to bold change (Open Society Foundations, 2023). A 2023 survey noted 38% of Latin American youth prefer authoritative leaders over elections, signaling distrust in corrupt systems.

Sub-Saharan Africa: Guardians of Democracy

Sub-Saharan Africa, home to 400 million people aged 15 to 35, sees Gen Z emerging as democracy’s watchdogs. In Kenya, they spearheaded 2024 protests against tax hikes, using TikTok to coordinate despite internet blackouts, forcing the government to scrap the bill (UNICEF, 2025). In Nigeria, the 2020 #EndSARS campaign leveraged Twitter to expose police brutality, with Gen Z sharing videos that gained global traction, even after a temporary Twitter ban (Transparency International, 2025). In South Africa, they helped end the African National Congress’s 30-year dominance in 2024 elections, demanding jobs and less corruption. Apps like Ushahidi and GovChat have been key for reporting electoral irregularities (African Development Bank, 2025). Limited education and job opportunities fuel skepticism about democracy’s value.

In Uganda, Gen Z rallied behind a musician-turned-politician in 2021, using WhatsApp to organize despite internet shutdowns, though the government’s harsh response curbed their efforts. Economic challenges and authoritarian pushback make their fight steep.

South Asia: Tech-Savvy and Diverse

South Asia’s Gen Z navigates varying levels of state control. In India, where data is scarce due to regulations, online chatter shows them focusing on jobs and pollution, using WhatsApp for campaigns like Delhi’s clean air initiatives (World Bank, 2025). In Bangladesh, students used Facebook Live in 2024 to dismantle a job quota system, leading to the prime minister’s resignation amid internet blocks. In Nepal, TikTok videos exposing corruption in 2024 triggered protests that ousted the prime minister on 9 September 2025, though 19 deaths underscored the risks (Reuters, 2025). In Indonesia, a 2025 survey found Gen Z’s civic engagement is driven by social media influencers, with 559 young voters following public figures online (Citizen Data, 2024). Their digital prowess makes them formidable, even under strict oversight.

Middle East: Defying Constraints

In the Middle East, Gen Z faces intense government surveillance but persists. In Iran, the 2022 #MahsaAmini protests, sparked by a woman’s death in custody, saw Gen Z using VPNs to share Instagram videos, challenging the regime despite internet bans (United Nations, 2025). In Turkey, young voters boosted opposition parties in 2023 local elections, with 25% of 18- to 24-year-olds supporting change. They rely on secure apps like Signal to evade censorship, though crackdowns limit their reach.

What Fuels Gen Z’s Activism

Gen Z prioritizes issues over party loyalty. Here’s what drives them:

• Climate Change: Gen Z links local efforts to global solutions. A 2023 survey found 70% fear climate change will disrupt their lives soon, pushing for policies like the Paris Agreement’s 2025 extensions (Open Society Foundations, 2023).

• Social Justice: Race, gender, and LGBTQ rights ignite their passion. A global movement’s 12 million social media posts went viral, and an Indian campaign reshaped workplace rules. In Iran, #MahsaAmini videos fueled protests for women’s rights.

• Economic Inequality: Student loans, low wages, and housing costs spur demands for fairness. In some regions, 43% want older leaders replaced to address these issues.

• Digital Rights: Privacy and misinformation are critical. Gen Z criticizes tech giants for censorship and governments for surveillance, with 81% valuing free speech online (Friedrich Naumann Foundation, 2024).

The Gender Divide and Evolving Mindsets

A 2025 survey highlights a stark gender divide: young men lean conservative, while women tilt progressive. In South Korea, young men support parties opposing gender equality, while women champion them. In the US, 56% of young men voted for a conservative candidate in 2024, compared to 40% of women (NBC News, 2025). Online discussions suggest this divide is reshaping elections, with men feeling sidelined by progressive policies.

Gen Z’s mindset is fluid. About 52% in the US identify as independents, shunning party ties (Harvard Institute of Politics, 2025). Some lean radical, with 11% saying protests are justified for change (CIRCLE, 2025). Many view democracy as performative, preferring direct action like protests over voting.

Challenges and Opportunities for Democracy

Gen Z’s skepticism about democracy is a double-edged sword. A 2025 survey found 25% are indifferent to whether it’s the best system, risking weakened democratic norms (Pew Research Center, 2020). Their openness to strong leaders—42% globally accepting military rule in certain cases—is concerning, especially in places like Nepal, where protests toppled a government but sparked fears of chaos (Open Society Foundations, 2023).

Yet, their activism, from Kenya’s tax protests to Chile’s constitutional push, revitalizes democracy. A study notes 63% have a “quiet respect” for democratic ideals, suggesting they can be won over with better engagement (CIRCLE, 2025). Addressing their demands for jobs, climate action, and equity could strengthen systems and curb extremist tendencies (The Guardian, 2025).

The Decade Ahead: Gen Z’s Vision for 2035

Looking toward 2035, Gen Z’s influence will redefine global politics, particularly in the Global South, where they’ll form the largest voting bloc—over 2 billion under 30 (Citizen Data, 2024). Their tech-savvy activism is already toppling leaders, as seen in Bangladesh and Nepal, and this trend will accelerate. By 2030, they could push for merit-based governance, reducing dynastic politics in countries like India, where youth-led campaigns demand skill-based job policies.

Globally, their climate focus will reshape international forums. At COP30 in 2025, Gen Z’s pressure could secure a $100 billion climate fund for vulnerable nations, setting a precedent for 2035’s global agreements. Their digital networks will foster cross-border movements, linking #EndSARS in Nigeria to global justice campaigns, creating a “youth international” that bypasses traditional alliances.

Risks loom, however. Their openness to non-democratic leaders could fuel populism if governments don’t deliver. Unaddressed economic woes could lead to more uprisings, like Sri Lanka’s 2022 crisis. Conversely, embracing their digital tools—AI for transparent voting or blockchain for aid distribution—could make governance more inclusive.

By 2035, expect Gen Z to dominate elections in Brazil (2026), India (2029), and beyond, pushing for green jobs, universal basic income, and inclusive policies. They’ll make global politics more multipolar, amplifying the Global South’s voice at the UN. Their activism resembles a digital Arab Spring, with staying power fueled by technology.

Current Trends Shaping the Future

As of September 2025, Gen Z faces new challenges. In Kenya, floods linked to climate change have spurred youth-led relief efforts via crowdfunding platforms like M-Changa, bypassing slow government responses (UNICEF, 2025). In India, Gen Z professionals use LinkedIn to demand AI reskilling programs, with a 2025 report predicting 25% job losses by 2030 (World Bank, 2025). In Brazil, youth use open-source GIS tools to map deforestation, organizing community planting drives (Inter-American Development Bank, 2025). In Jordan and Lebanon, Gen Z leverages Signal for cross-border water scarcity campaigns, with 40% youth involvement in environmental advocacy (United Nations, 2025). In Nigeria, they monitor 2025 elections via Discord, ensuring transparency (Transparency International, 2025). South Africa’s youth push for renewable energy jobs on YouTube, with 55% supporting green transitions (African Development Bank, 2025).

The Path Forward

Gen Z isn’t just online; they’re rewriting politics. Their tech skills, demand for honesty, and global outlook challenge outdated systems. Ignoring them risks deeper divides, but engaging them could build fairer governance. Their protests in Kenya, Nepal, and Bangladesh prove they’ll stand up, even against internet curbs.

For those tracking digital trends, this is a heads-up. Gen Z’s voice, amplified by social media, demands accountability. It’s messy—misinformation and burnout are real—but their passion is a spark in the dark. As we stand in 2025, with Nepal’s protests fresh and global elections looming, Gen Z is showing how to fight for a better, fairer future.