The rise of Generation Z in the 2022 elections and the recent events in Nepal have sent a resounding message: the youth’s urge for accountability, fairness, and sustainability can no longer be overlooked in shaping politics and governance. This is not just a fleeting trend; it is a signal that leaders can perhaps ignore at their peril. Globally and South Asia in particular, grasping the intricacies of generational dynamics is essential for anticipating demands, securing legitimacy, and crafting governance that stands the test of time. A generation typically refers to individuals born within a 15–20 year span who share pivotal experiences—wars, revolutions, economic upheavals, and technological breakthroughs—that shape their worldviews. These contexts forge distinct identities that powerfully influence politics, governance, and public policy.

Sociologists William Strauss and Neil Howe popularized the modern classification of generations, asserting that shared social, cultural, and political environments give rise to broadly recognizable cohorts (Strauss & Howe, 1991). Their framework, though often adapted to national contexts, remains a critical global reference point: Silent Generation (1928–1945): Formed by the flames of war and post-colonial transitions; many continue to wield power in politics, bureaucracy, and business. 

Baby Boomers (1946–1964): Shaped by post-war prosperity and industrial expansion; their optimism fueled nation-building efforts.

Generation X (1965–1980): Grew up amid political turbulence, globalization, and economic reforms; known for resilience and adaptability.

Millennials/Gen Y (1981–1996): Came of age in the era of globalization and the internet revolution, now grappling with job precarity and rising costs.

Generation Z (1997–2012): Digital natives, globally interconnected and socially conscious; they demand transparency, equity, and climate action.

Generation Alpha (2013 onward): Expected to be shaped by artificial intelligence, climate disruption, and post-pandemic realities.

These classifications are more than academic categories—they are governance compasses, pointing to where social priorities are shifting and where political legitimacy is tested. These emphasize new social contracts and political commitments beyond the traditional quick-fixes. South Asia vividly illustrates this generational transformation. Baby Boomers prioritized stability and welfare after independence, while Generation X consolidated institutions and enacted reforms. Millennials/Gen-Y harnessed globalization to drive India’s IT boom but sought safety nets against precarious conditions of labour and other disadvantaged populations. Now, Generation Z—approximately 375 million strong in India alone (UNFPA, 2023)—is fundamentally reshaping politics. They leverage digital platforms to demand accountability, equitable policies, and urgent climate action. In Nepal, their 2022 votes disrupted entrenched hierarchies (The Kathmandu Post, 2022), while in India, rising youth discontent with corruption and inequality is fueling social movements and electoral realignments.

Attempts by Gen X and Millennials to co-opt Gen Z in India in 2013 however, faltered, exposing the limits of older cohorts’ influence and intensifying youth restlessness.

Gen Z’s defining characteristic is their deep-rooted engagement with digital technology. Smartphones, social media, and online platforms are central to their learning, activism, and entrepreneurship. Their voices gain additional power through data science, which enables real-time tracking of youth behaviors, preferences, and political engagement (OECD, 2022).

This creates both extraordinary opportunities and formidable challenges. Policies are no longer enacted in silence—they are dissected, debated, and challenged instantly in the digital public sphere. Youth mobilization through online petitions, viral campaigns, and global movements like Fridays for Future shows how quickly this generation can reshape political discourse (UNEP, 2021).

For governance, the imperative is clear: policies must be transparent, inclusive, and technologically agile. Governments that fail to adapt risk alienating their youngest citizens and losing legitimacy.

Generational activism also transcends borders. Gen Z networks connect across continents, influencing debates on climate, trade, and digital rights. Their voices resonate in climate negotiations, World Bank and IMF consultations (IMF, 2022), and corporate governance discussions. Institutions like the UN, WTO, and IMF are beginning to integrate youth aspirations—on climate finance, gender equality, and digital inclusion—into their agendas (United Nations, 2020). Informal actors such as tech giants and NGOs amplify these voices, creating global platforms for youth engagement.

In this context, history resembles a relay race among generations: the Silent Generation and Boomers built stability, Gen X advanced reforms, Millennials expanded globalization, and now Gen Z demands fairness and sustainability. Generation Alpha will inherit not only these aspirations but also the complex legacies of climate disruption, AI-driven economies, and shifting geopolitics.

For policymakers, generational classification is more than sociological taxonomy—it is a governance map illuminating society’s trajectory and the conditions for legitimacy. Governments must foster intergenerational dialogue, inclusive policy frameworks, and innovative governance models. To adapt effectively, they should:

i) Institutionalize Youth Participation: Create youth parliaments, climate councils, and digital platforms to embed young voices in policymaking. Constant focus on youth engagement and employment is an essential requirement of policymaking and governance.

ii) Tailor Policies by Generation: Provide pensions and healthcare for Boomers, job security and skills for Millennials, and sustainability and equity for Gen Z.

iii) Leverage Technology Responsibly: Use AI and data to improve governance while safeguarding privacy and fairness.

iv) Engage Globally: Align national policies with the generational priorities reshaping international cooperation.

The rise of Gen Z—and the generations to follow—is recalibrating not only national politics but also the global order. Nepal’s first-time voters, India’s digital entrepreneurs, and youth activists worldwide are already rewriting governance frameworks and economic priorities. The choices leaders make today—whether to resist or embrace these shifts—will decide whether the coming decades are marked by progress or polarization.

Policymakers who recognize and respond to these dynamics will be best positioned to guide nations toward stability, inclusiveness, and visionary leadership.

( The writer is a retired Punjab cadre IAS officer. Views expressed are personal. Suresh Kumar can be reached at sureshkumarnangia@gmail.com. )