A Critical Evaluation of the Role of Gen-Z in Contemporary World Politics

The twenty-first century has witnessed a remarkable transformation in the nature of political engagement, largely driven by the emergence of Generation Z (Gen-Z)-those born roughly between 1997 and 2012. This paper critically examines Gen-Z’s role in shaping contemporary world politics, emphasizing their digital activism, social consciousness, and participation in global movements. Drawing on examples from various regions, the study explores how technology, globalization, and socio-political crises have molded Gen-Z’s political identity. It also assesses the limitations of their political engagement, particularly in the context of institutional politics and ideological polarization. The paper concludes by arguing that while Gen-Z possesses unprecedented tools and awareness to reshape global politics, the effectiveness of their participation depends on translating online activism into sustainable political action and institutional reform.