Youth Mobilization and Political Impact in Nepal: An Analysis of Gen Z Movement

Abstract

The paper analyses the genesis, mechanisms of operation and political impact of the youth movement 'Gen Z' in Nepal during September 2025. It is operating a digitally organized, non-partisan and leaderless revolution. The revolution brought out thousands of youth from Nepal who have been protesting against corruption, economic sluggishness, political favoritism, ban of the social media and the digital censorship imposed by the State. This paper used a qualitative research design and a synthesis of the secondary literatures. It examines the issues, grievances, mobilizations and impacts transformed movement across the entire country in 48 hours. It is based on elements from Social Contract Theory, Connective Action Theory and Political Legitimacy Theory protectives. The issue has been related to legitimacy, social movement, digital activities and good governance of Nepal and it has young-led movement that driving the major political translation. The state-sponsored digital repression resulted in unintended solidarity among people of different classes and the weakness of the already existing political institutions. The lack of an organized political arm became a governance issue during the transitional period after the uprising to some extent addressed by appointment of an interim government and subsequent political developments. Finally, it outlines contemporary political transformation and concluded the informing impacts of uprising, public policy formulation, long-term democratic process and political stability in Nepal. The need for the improvement of institutional accountability, youth involvement and democratic responsive in order to address the people’s grievances expressed through such protests.