Let’s just say that Gen Z has turned out to be one of the most vocal and active political and social generations in the world over the past years. The list includes anti-government demonstrations in Mexico coupled with climate marches in Europe-they also include economic protests in Sri Lanka and pro-democracy movements in Hong Kong and Iran. This generation is changing the face of civic activism-their protests unfold quite similarly, digitally mobilised, tangent institutions, and a deeply rooted fear of an uncertain future. However, each public uprising is more or less shaped by the special national tensions Gen Y faces.
As the Gen Z protests have shown in Mexico in November 2025, catalysed by the assassination of Uruapan mayor Carlos Manzo-young people worldwide are increasingly showing no more tolerance for the present realities of insecurity, corruption or political stagnation. This article explores the similarities and dissimilarities of the Gen Z protests in Mexico with the major youth-led movements in other countries, the motivation common among them, as well as the psychological, value and mindset factors behind why Gen Z has made this time tougher than any other.
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Gen Z Protests in Mexico: Youth vs. Crime, Corruption & Negligence-
The anti-government protests of 2025 in Mexico arose from the dissatisfaction with the administration of Claudia Sheinbaum. Deep in that was the location of the killing of Uruapan mayor Carlos Manzo, but in reality, it was years of cartel violence, institutional distrust, and fears of neglect that contributed to the discontent.
New Generation Mexico, a civic youth movement, stands as the main initiator-their demands include an accountable electoral reform, citizen-led accountability, and a much stronger security policy. Digital tools, AI-generated content, and targeted outreach to 15- to 20-year-olds made the movement highly visible, even though turnout later skewed older. Their appropriation of the One Piece Jolly Roger in imitation attempts speaks of a modern, internet-born protest culture behind the rising movement.
The violence seen in cities like Mexico City and Guadalajara shows that anger and frustration in Mexico span generations. While the peaceful demonstrators were busy demanding accountability from the government, masked groups turned to property damage, and this led to clashes with riot police. Similar democratic degeneration is manifest worldwide in the way young people counter the most militarised institutions.
Comparing Mexico’s Movement With Other Gen Z Protests Globally-
United States: Policing, Race & Student Activism:
Young Americans have repeatedly mobilised around issues such as:
- Racial injustice
- Police brutality
- Gun violence
- Economic inequality
The unrest of 2020 and 2024 shows just how Gen Z mobilises quickly using decentralised social media sites. Much like Mexico’s protests, accusations often come from the U.S. movements regarding their being influenced by political groups and digital misinformation. Activism in the form of distrust toward government institutions, coupled with the belief that reform can only be achieved through public pressure.
Nepal: Democracy and Accountability:
In September 2025, a massive wave of protests erupted across Nepal, led mostly by young people — students and youths from Gen Z — after the government shut down 26 major social-media platforms, including Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram and YouTube. What began as a revolt against the social-media ban quickly turned into a broader uprising against long-standing issues: corruption, nepotism, lack of economic opportunity, and political mismanagement. On 8 September, thousands of protesters tried to storm the parliament building in Kathmandu, leading to violent clashes with police — who used tear gas, rubber bullets and live ammunition — resulting in at least 19 deaths and many more injured. The next day, the government reversed the social-media ban and the then-Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli resigned. The protests marked a powerful assertion of youth discontent and demand for accountability, transparency and democratic rights in Nepal.
Hong Kong: Pro-Democracy Resistance:
Hong Kong’s youth-led protests from 2019 exhibited:
- Decentralized organization
- Anonymous coordination using encrypted apps
- A leaderless movement culture
Hong Kong youth, like their Gen Z organisers in Mexico, used symbols like Pepe the Frog, popular anime references, etc. Yet, the defining features of their struggles were the ends they pursued: systemic political freedom for Hong Kong versus crime, governance, and institutional reform for Mexico.
Iran: Women-Led Youth Uprisings:
Following the death of Mahsa Amini in 2022, Iranian youth—especially young women—mobilised massively. Their goals included:
- Bodily autonomy
- Civil rights
- Resistance to authoritarianism
The protests were similar to Mexico’s in their emotional trigger (a shocking death) and subsequent nationwide dissemination. But in the case of Iran, the protests met with the harshest state counteractions against protesters, which included mass arrests and violent suppression.
Sri Lanka: Economic Collapse & Youth Frustration:
Sri Lanka’s 2022–2023 youth movements were fueled by:
- Inflation
- Food shortages
- Unemployment
- Political corruption
Gen Z played a key role in ousting the president. Their protests shared Mexico’s themes of accountability and anti-corruption but were primarily economic rather than security-based.
Europe: Climate Protests & Economic Anxiety:
Across the EU, Gen Z activists have mobilised around:
- Climate change
- Housing crises
- Worker rights
- Far-right political rise
In the case of Mexico, protests have tended to revolve around the question of violence, whereas European youth movements have tended to be ideologically focused and other issues. They share, however, the modality of a digital-first organisation present in all forms of Gen Z activism.
What Unites Gen Z Movements Across Countries-
Digital-Native Activism:
Gen Z activists:
- Use TikTok, X, and Instagram for rapid mobilisation
- Spread infographics, hashtags, and memes
- Rely on a decentralised organisation
Such manipulation, aided and abetted by foreign countries, was charged against the digital world by the Mexican Government, and similar accusations have been levied in the United States, Hong Kong, and Iran. This demonstrates worldwide fears about online influence.
Low Trust in Institutions:
Young people worldwide express dissatisfaction with:
- Political parties
- Law enforcement
- Judicial systems
- Electoral processes
The demand of the Gen Z movements in Mexico is for citizen-led control, a rallying call in the world for transparency and accountability.
Fear of Losing Their Future:
Across borders, Gen Z worries about:
- Safety
- Climate stability
- Job opportunities
- Economic inequality
In Mexico, the phobia stems from violence and the non-action of the government. In Europe, she faces the horrible eventuality of climate change. In Iran, it is the authoritative oppression. These evils are not the same, but the horror is universal.
Symbolic Identity & Meme Culture:
Modern protests echo fandom culture:
- Anime references
- Meme flags
- Viral slogans
The Straw Hat Pirates logo of Mexico reflects the meme culture of Hong Kong and the general trend of Gen Z around the world in reshaping the art of protests.
The Gen Z Mindset: Why This Generation Protests Differently-
Gen Z is the first generation raised entirely in the digital age. Their worldview is shaped by constant exposure to:
- Global news
- Political conflict
- Catastrophic climate warnings
- Social injustices online
- Rapid misinformation cycle
Key Traits of Gen Z Protest Psychology:
- Anticipation for action: They expect speed in action from a system that is slower than conventional democracy.
- Hyper-attention: They receive the news in real time and understand that the local has only to be spoken of in terms of its relationship to the global.
- Collective Identity: The activism they engage in often has spokes in a communal sense of online shared communities.
- Scepticism: Aggressively oppose authorities in comparison with previous generations.
- Moral Urgency: Their response to mobilisation is that inaction becomes complicity. There is immediate mobilisation of the masses.
Conclusion-
With all the interconnections present today among the youth worldwide, what indeed have tended to become the points of connection are anxiety, digital connectivity, and increasing expectation toward justice and accountability are being intertwined with the Gen Z in global awareness. Mexico City, Hong Kong, Tehran, New York: Cities around the world have all been called upon by Gen Z to redefine what civic engagement is. Their movements are messy, digital, emotional, and chaotic at times; nevertheless, they stand powerfully for a future that they hope to make safe, just, and truly democratic.