The Role of Youth Movements in Shaping Political Transitions

Youth movements have historically served as catalysts for political transformation, social reform, and democratic renewal. This paper examines the multifaceted role of youth activism in shaping political transitions, emphasizing its influence on governance structures, social justice, and civic participation. The study analyzes the dynamics of youth engagement in key political transformations across regions such as the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Sub-Saharan Africa. It argues that youth movement’s function both as agents of mobilization and as moral forces that challenge entrenched political orders. Through digital communication, grassroots organization, and transnational solidarity, young people have reshaped the boundaries of political discourse, often acting as the vanguard of democratization efforts. The research employs a qualitative comparative approach, drawing from historical and contemporary case studies including the Arab Spring (Tunisia and Egypt), the Serbian Otpor! Movement, and the End SARS protests in Nigeria. Findings reveal that while youth movements are instrumental in initiating transitions, their long-term impact depends on institutional inclusion, leadership sustainability, and the capacity to translate protest into policy. Ultimately, this study concludes that youth movements represent not merely a phase of dissent but a transformative force capable of redefining political legitimacy and participation in the ۲۱st century. Understanding their evolving role is essential for policymakers and scholars seeking to comprehend the dynamics of modern political change.

کلیدواژه ها:

Youth movements ، Political transition ، social activism ، Democratization ، civic engagement