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ZENODO
Dataset . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
ZENODO
Dataset . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
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Gen Z and the Future of South Asian Democracy

Authors: Santa Bahadur Thapa;

Gen Z and the Future of South Asian Democracy

Abstract

Generation Z (1995-2012) is emerging as a political disruptor in South Asia, challenging traditional governance through digital literacy. This paper examines these “youthquakes” that are reshaping democracy in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh and offers key insights into the transition from digital talk to offline civic action. Using a qualitative mixed-methods design, it draws on data from regional surveys, focus groups, and semi-structured interviews to explore the youth’s connection to the theory of generational cohorts. The paper reveals that South Asian Gen Zers favour climate action, economic transparency, and social justice over legacy party politics, and they convert digital mobilisation into persistent physical protest. However, Gen Z, faced with a range of issues, including state censorship and scarce resources, continues to speak truth to regional power. Their mobilisation points the way to a more responsible and digitally connected political ecology, one that demands a conjoining of grassroots activism with formal policy reform. As this rising generation takes power, they will insist on political honesty and redefine South Asian citizenship.

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Keywords

Civic engagement, digital mobilisation, Generation Z, south asian politics, youthquake

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    This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
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    popularity
    This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
    Average
    influence
    This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
    Average
    impulse
    This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
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Found an issue? Give us feedback
selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
Average
Average