The Gen Z Movement: Digital Mobilisation and its Impact on Nepalese Politics

This paper examines the emergence and impact of the recent Generation Z (Gen Z) youth movement in Nepal, analysing its distinct characteristics within the nation’s political landscape. The study identifies the movement as a fundamental, generational shift in civic engagement, contrasting it with previous youth-led political transitions. The analysis reveals that this uprising was not merely a reaction to a government social media ban but a culmination of deep-seated frustrations over institutionalised corruption, economic inequality, and a perceived intergenerational political disconnect. The paper details the pivotal role of digital platforms in mobilising a decentralised, non-partisan, and leaderless movement, most notably through the viral “Nepo Kid” campaign. Furthermore, it assesses the immediate political ramifications, including a ministerial resignation and the reversal of the social media ban. It discusses the challenges posed by the state’s violent response and the movement’s own lack of formal structure. The research concludes that while the movement’s long-term sustainability is uncertain, it has irrevocably altered the dynamics of Nepalese politics, positioning the digitally-native youth as a new and powerful force that demands systemic reform rather than superficial concessions.