Hot topic called Gen-Z

Gen-Z vs. the System: A Tussle Over the Future

One of the hottest topics right now is Gen-Z — not just as a demographic, but as a rising force shaping the political and social landscapes. From youth-led movements in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh to recent upheavals in Nepal, we're witnessing a global trend: young people challenging—and in some cases, toppling—unpopular governments through sheer collective force.

We hear phrases like “reclaim history” and “make history.” But what is this history really about? For many in Gen-Z, it's about demanding a future where they are not sidelined. It's about proving their relevance by dismantling systems that no longer serve them—or never did.

Democracy was supposed to give people the power to choose leaders who would shape a future inclusive of all generations. But when those in power are more focused on extracting benefits from the system than serving the people, dysfunction follows. The system stops being a neutral tool and starts evolving into something with its own self-interest — its own “future” to protect.

This is where tension escalates. A system worried about its own survival creates leaders who are more concerned with securing their legacy than with enabling the next generation. Meanwhile, Gen-Z, fueled by adrenaline and urgency, sees this as a call to action — or even confrontation.

Here lies the core conflict: the system’s obsession with preserving itself leaves less space for Gen-Z’s future to unfold. The question isn’t whether Gen-Z has the energy or will to challenge this — they clearly do. The real question is: Is adrenaline enough to resolve this generational standoff?

Or does something deeper need to change — both in the system, and in how we define leadership, legacy, and shared future?