Gen Z's Global Revolt: The End of Authoritarian Legitimacy

A coordinated Gen Z mobilization wave has shattered the legitimacy of authoritarian regimes across the Global South, transforming scattered grievances into a systemic demand for accountable governance driven by universal crises of corruption and inequality [1][3]. This movement marks a historic shift where youth are no longer mere participants but the primary architects of regime change, with tangible successes in 2025–2026 signaling a sustained era of political upheaval [2][7].