The Unequal Inheritance: A Comparative Study of Gen Z Economic Protests in Asia and Europe Against Systemic Inequality, Corruption, and the 'Nepo- Economy'

AbstractThis paper explores how Generation Z’s economic protests in Asia and Europe reflect sharedfrustrations with inequality, corruption, and the “Nepo-Economy,” yet diverge in form andoutcome due to institutional differences. Using Structural Strain Theory, it examines howsystemic barriers and intergenerational injustice drive youth activism. In Asia, movements suchas Nepal’s and Sri Lanka’s uprisings challenge elite dominance through street-level mobilization,often leading to regime instability. In contrast, European youth movements focus on policyreform—addressing pension, housing, and welfare inequities within stable democraticframeworks. The study highlights how digital mobilization, economic precarity, and erodingmeritocracy unify Gen Z globally, while institutional maturity dictates whether dissent manifestsas revolutionary or reformist. It concludes by emphasizing that restoring trust and fairness ingovernance is vital for mitigating the long-term risks of generational alienation and politicalfragmentation.