Youthquake in Global Politics: Are Young Voters Reshaping the World?

Across the globe, the younger generation is stepping up and reshaping the political landscape. From climate justice movements to massive voter turnouts, young people are making their voices heard in ways that are challenging traditional power structures and long-standing political elites. In this commentary, I explore the phenomenon of the “Youthquake”—a term that has re-emerged to describe the seismic impact of youth on politics in the 21st century.

This piece, written by Nabib Bin Zahid, research assistant at BIPSS, analyzes how youth are leading global movements, engaging in digital activism, entering formal politics, and confronting systemic challenges in their pursuit of justice and equality. I have also highlighted examples from the United States, the United Kingdom, Nigeria, Germany, and beyond, where young activists and voters have shifted the political tide.

I have also addressed the barriers youth face, including political exclusion, online harassment, and legal constraints, and argue for more inclusive systems that empower young voices. As political dissatisfaction grows and the demand for change intensifies, youth are not waiting for permission—they are creating their own space.

Read the full commentary to understand how a new generation is not just participating in politics but transforming it.