Reported by: Sankalp Shrivastava
World News Oct 20, 2026 16:46 IST Published On Oct 20, 2026 16:46 IST Last Updated On Oct 20, 2026 16:46 IST In only seven, or 12%, was regime change or attempted regime change the goal.
History bears witness that from the strike of Egyptian workers in the 12th century BC to youth taking to the streets today to protect Albania’s sensitive environment, resistance has always been the sharpest weapon to transform society. Today’s youth, especially ‘Gen Z’, are demanding accountability in policies, equal employment opportunities, environmental protection, and basic rights. Whenever thousands of people take to the streets in any corner of the world, the primary fear in the corridors of power is of a coup or regime change. The recent downfall of Sheikh Hasina in Bangladesh, the flight of the Rajapaksa family in Sri Lanka, and the political reshuffle in Nepal have further strengthened this perception. But is the end of every protest always regime change? Is the ultimate goal of every young person taking to the streets to overthrow the government? The short answer is no. Protests are not organised merely to topple governments, but also to show them a mirror, to reshape policies, and to save the remaining foundational structures of democracy. This is the ‘Globalisation of Rebellion’, where behind the fire ignited by local sparks in different parts of the world lies the same restlessness – a shared anger against corruption, inequality, and the people’s voice not being heard.
Because the ouster of a leader did not fix deeper political, economic, and social grievances When: October 2024 (Ongoing) Outrage over the ruling Georgian Dream party’s decision to freeze integration negotiations with the European Union Draconian penalties and state-sanctioned violence deployed to disperse peaceful student-led sit-ins and demonstrations Widespread public demand for the release of political prisoners, a reinstatement of pro-EU foreign policy, and entirely new, impartial elections Photo Credit: AFP When: May 2026 (Ongoing) Protest by: Youth coalitions and environmental student groups Attempted regime change (demands for the resignation of PM Edi Rama) Why the protest started: Immediate outrage over state-approved commercial clearing and fencing within the Narta Lagoon, a highly biodiverse migratory wetland Public backlash against international luxury real-estate developments planned on ecologically sensitive, protected lands Accusations of systemic corruption, environmental deregulation, and political favouritism benefiting foreign elites Direct condemnation of PM Edi Rama for endorsing private developers over domestic environmental laws When: Aug-Sep 2025 Protest by: Youth/students/Gen Z No regime-change goal Why the protest started: Lawmakers’ large housing allowances and perks amid economic hardship Rising living costs, unemployment, and tax increases Perceived democratic backsliding and military expansion into civilian roles Police brutality (including the death of a delivery driver) Demands for policy reversals and anti-corruption measures When: Sep-Oct 2025 Protest by: Gen Z, generational outrage over a mandatory pension reform that forced self-employed young workers to pay high, restrictive contributions State-enacted crackdowns under emergency decrees, using rubber bullets and tear gas that resulted in civilian deaths and injuries Protests continued after the president was removed. In the last 12 months, more than 57 countries have seen significant protests, and 33 are still active, according to the Global Protest Tracker. In only seven, or 12%, was regime change or attempted regime change the goal. When: September 2026 (Ongoing) Protest by: High school students/ youth (later joined by unions) No regime-change goal Why the protest started: Underfunded schools, teacher shortages, and dilapidated facilities Opaque university admissions system Rising cost of living and economic insecurity Broader generational frustration over public services Demands for education investment and better living conditions When: September 2025 (Ongoing) Protest by: Generation Z and student movements Partial regime change Why the protest started: Broad political anger over chronic corruption, systemic instability, and the rapid, successive impeachments of national presidents Intense dissatisfaction with a highly unpopular Congress and the installation of replacement President Jose Jeri. Movement took on the name Gen Z 212, after the country’s telephone code No regime-change goal Why the protest started: Maternal deaths at a public hospital highlighting poor healthcare Inadequate spending on health and education versus World Cup infrastructure High youth unemployment and social inequality Corruption and poor public services Demands for better governance and resource allocation When: September 2025 Protest by: Gen Z No regime-change goal Why the protest started: Flood-control project corruption scandals Officials accused of pocketing infrastructure funds Broader anti-corruption anger Economic frustrations Demands for accountability Photo Credit: AFP When: June 2024 (Ongoing) Protest by: Gen Z and youth-led coalitions No regime-change goal Why the protest started: Initial trigger was controversial tax hikes, which sparked mass anger in mid-2024 Severe frustration over skyrocketing living costs, economic inequality, and high taxation without adequate services Deep-seated anger regarding government corruption, luxury spending by public officials, and lack of democratic accountability Systemic police brutality (killing of over 60 demonstrators in custody or during street protests) and continuous government crackdown involving targeted digital censorship, abductions of activists, and media blackouts that have fueled ongoing street resistance Show full article
Protest by: Students, youth coalitions, and opposition groups Attempted regime change, but failed Why the protest started: Massive public allegations of systematic electoral fraud during the October 2024 parliamentary elections
