The year’s best stories

This year brought hope to skeptics who have doubted young people’s ability to spur political change.

We often hear that Gen Z is disillusioned with democracy and checked out of politics, especially in the West. But following Bangladesh’s 2024 movement—which is widely considered the first successful “Gen Z revolution”—powerful youth-led movements have swept the world, from Africa, to Latin America, to South Asia. Although each movement has its own domestic causes, all have been triggered by deep public anger over a combination of perceived corruption, cost-of-living crises, and widespread economic discontent.

This year brought hope to skeptics who have doubted young people’s ability to spur political change.

We often hear that Gen Z is disillusioned with democracy and checked out of politics, especially in the West. But following Bangladesh’s 2024 movement—which is widely considered the first successful “Gen Z revolution”—powerful youth-led movements have swept the world, from Africa, to Latin America, to South Asia. Although each movement has its own domestic causes, all have been triggered by deep public anger over a combination of perceived corruption, cost-of-living crises, and widespread economic discontent.

In September, what began as demonstrations against Nepal’s social media ban quickly transformed into a mass mobilization that toppled Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli. In October, civil unrest in Peru contributed to President Dina Boluarte’s impeachment. That same........

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