The Generation Z movement has appeared as a unique form or wave of anti-government movement. It has now turned out to be much talked about in politics in many countries. The Gen Z movement mostly appears especially when traditional opposition politics and their movements fail to compel the government to address reasonable concerns. As per the reports of the BBC and CNN, Gen Z movements have led to the ouster of the governments in several countries including Sri Lanka in 2023, Nepal in 2025 and Madagascar in 2025 and have been going on in several other countries. But it remains unclear whether there will be further such movements — probably a stronger version of anti-government movements — in other countries.
The possibility of Gen Z movements and the overthrow of governments is high in many other countries, not only for the reasons that make such movements successful but also for the reasons for carrying out such movements. Gen Z movements are youth-led but there is widespread participation of people of almost all walks of life, the support of opposition parties and others and other reasons that make such movements more successful compared to the traditional form of opposition protests and will probably do so in the coming days. People are now much aware of their rights due to increased access to the mainstream and social media (such as Facebook, TikTok and YouTube). They carry out stronger movements to address their concerns.
But a pertinent aspect is whether — and how much — such movements have reasonable grounds. Such movements have reasons many times. Many people are frustrated in many countries over the governments and their controversial, aggressive, depriving or repressive policies. They are frustrated due to economic hardship, political repression and many other reasons. In many countries, there is widespread corruption and mismanagement of resources that lead to reduced opportunities for the people, who are deprived of their rights, discontent and anger. In Bangladesh, Sri-Lanka, Nepal and several other countries, there were economic discontents, political repression, widespread nepotism and other reasons that fueled anti-government movements and such concerns exist in many other countries that can fuel anti-government movements by the youth.
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But it is not always incorrect to say that anti-government conspiracy is predominant than real reasons and such a powerful movement is exploited by others especially opposition parties and international actors. International actors (governments, inter-governmental organizations and non-government organizations) and opposition parties often work together to overthrow a regime due to geopolitical and political interests, economic interests, dislike of the regime and other reasons, even if there is no significant reason for the overthrow of the regime. For instance, there are criticisms that an international conspiracy against the regime played a role in the Gen Z anti-government movement in Madagascar that led to the resignation of the president a few days ago.
But the chance of Generation Z movements, which have probably become a tool for opposition movements and international actors, is probably high in Asian and African countries. This is because public discontent is higher in those countries due to political repression and other concerns related to Gen Z movements. But it may not be surprising at all if such movements occur in developed countries too with increased possibility of the overthrow of the government — partly due to the inspiration of the youth from the success in other countries and the perception of heroism and partly due to the conspiracy against the regime.
Whatever the reasons may be, international and local conspiracy or not, Gen Z movements have been happening in different countries. But the crackdown on the protesters is undesirable. Given that there are some reasonable concerns, even if they are not enough for claiming the resignation of the government, the concerns that are reasonable need to be addressed. But the government’s early talks with the protesters may not only help solve such crises many times but also can improve political and other grounds.
Amir M Sayem
Chief Editor
Dhaka Opinion Magazine
