Gen Z Rage Goes Global: Rising Youth Unrest Is the Next Big Test

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Soaring youth unemployment, AI disruption, and post-pandemic economic stress are fuelling explosive Gen Z protests from China to Africa

By TRH Foreign Affairs Desk

New Delhi, December 9, 2025 — Senior journalist Manish Anand, in a deep-dive analysis for the YouTube channel of The Raisina Hills, warns that Gen Z unrest is emerging as one of the most disruptive global forces — and governments from Beijing to New Delhi face the challenge.

Anand says that youth anger is now erupting unpredictably across continents. Quoting GZERO which attributed UN and ILO data, he spotlights that four out of five in 19-24 age group in developing nations are unemployed. This is just reverse in developed nations.

A Global Pattern of Explosive Anger

Citing data from GZERO Media, Anand highlights that China — despite its tightly controlled political system — is witnessing 17% official youth unemployment, while independent estimates suggest the real figure is closer to 30% among those aged 19–24.

“This is the same age group driving unrest worldwide,” he notes.

Gen Z protests have already shaken:

Kenya and Morocco, where street demonstrations continue
Nepal, where youth anger toppled a coalition government within 48 hours
Latin America, where ILO data shows unemployment touching 25%

The UN and International Labour Organization warn that developing countries face the sharpest spike in youth joblessness since COVID-19 disrupted global growth.

The AI Shock Hitting Gen Z Jobs

A major factor Anand identifies is the rapid destruction of entry-level jobs due to AI.

He cites a UK-based survey showing that 37% of corporations no longer hire for entry-level roles, because AI systems can handle much of the work previously assigned to fresh graduates.

“This trend is no longer limited to rich countries,” Anand argues. “In developing nations too, AI is wiping out the very jobs Gen Z depends on after college.”

India’s Alarming Signals

India, he says, is not insulated. Opposition parties already claim youth dissatisfaction is rising. Despite India’s growth numbers, Anand points out that:

A large share of Gen Z is pushed into the unorganised gig economy
Delivery and platform jobs dominate youth employment
Highly qualified applicants — MBAs, PhDs, even medical graduates — line up for police constable vacancies

“These are symptoms of a deep structural problem,” he warns.

Security Risks and Social Volatility

Anand draws attention to Nigeria, where a surge in Gen Z unemployment has fuelled a dangerous kidnapping-for-ransom industry.
In Pakistan, he says, youth anger is “artificially suppressed” but could ignite anytime.

“With AI disruption, slowing economies, and social media amplifying every frustration, Gen Z across the world feels cut off from the economic mainstream,” Anand concludes. “Governments everywhere face a generational challenge they can no longer ignore.”