By Leo Nirosh Dharshan
The recent political and social changes in the South Asian region have prompted a deep analysis of its current and future stability. The conflicts and popular protests in countries such as Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and the Southeast Asian nation of Indonesia cannot be considered coincidental events occurring within a specific period. Instead, they are rooted in a broader regional and global context, fueled by a variety of political, economic, and social factors. It is crucial to comprehensively examine the root causes of the ongoing conflicts in Nepal and compare them with the uprisings in other South Asian nations to note the similarities between them.
The internal conflicts in Nepal are multi-layered and complex, not stemming from a single cause. Nepal has undergone a long period of political transition. Even after transitioning from a monarchy to a democratic republic, the country’s political system has not found stability. Weak coalition governments, frequent changes in power, and internal party conflicts hinder the nation’s political stability. The power struggle between major political parties like the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) and the Nepali Congress creates severe obstacles to policy-making. When one party views another not merely as an opposition but engages in power struggles with personal animosity, it becomes impossible to create or implement the long-term plans necessary for the country’s development. This has gradually eroded public trust, ultimately creating an environment of unrest.
Beyond political instability, rising corruption in Nepal has fueled public anger and resentment. Major corruption cases that came to light during recent administrations, such as the Bhutanese refugee scam and the gold smuggling scandal, have completely shattered trust in the government. Financial fraud, abuse of power, and a lack of transparency in governance have directly affected the people. When those in key government positions are involved in corruption, ordinary citizens are denied justice, and basic services fail to reach them. This situation has created widespread dissatisfaction among all sections of the population, including the youth, and has strengthened the protests.
Regarding the social media bans that have been a factor in the current protests, the Nepalese government occasionally restricts access during times of unrest or major demonstrations. The government cites maintaining law and order, preventing the spread of misinformation, and controlling violence and rumors that could escalate tensions as primary reasons for these bans. It states that, especially during significant political or social uprisings, it sometimes temporarily blocks or restricts social media platforms to control the situation.
However, political and administrative problems directly impact the country’s socio-economic condition. In Nepal, which has an agriculture-based economy, the problems faced by farmers, particularly fertilizer shortages and falling market prices, cause severe income loss. Furthermore, unemployment in urban areas is a massive problem among educated youth. Even young people with higher education are forced to emigrate in search of employment. Deficiencies in education and health services deny basic rights to ordinary people. Such crises have united the youth, compelling them to take to the streets to demand social justice, employment, and administrative change.
The Rise of Youth Uprisings in South Asia
Across South Asia, young people have emerged as a new political and social force. They are no longer willing to silently accept governmental failures. Lack of employment, social injustice, and political corruption are common themes in these youth uprisings. These movements have manifested in different forms in many countries.
In Sri Lanka, the 2022 protest erupted due to failed economic management, a decline in foreign exchange reserves, and a shortage of essential goods. Inflation and food shortages caused by the administrative failures of the Gotabaya Rajapaksa government brought the public to the streets with the slogan ‘Send the government home.’ This evolved into a massive people’s movement known as ‘GotaGoGama,’ which ultimately forced the president and prime minister to resign.
In Bangladesh, the 2024 popular uprising was sparked by protests against specific quotas in government jobs. This opposition was fueled by widespread public discontent, rising unemployment, and student anger. This movement brought an end to the long-standing rule of the Sheikh Hasina government. This was also a youth-led protest that eventually led to a change in government and forced Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to flee the country.
In Indonesia, a youth-led protest erupted in February of last year (2025). Issues such as unemployment related to environmental changes and technological development were the causes of the protests. The dissatisfaction shown by the youth in matters of social justice and cultural affairs took the protests in new directions. The Indonesian protest also served as an example in Southeast Asia of how the younger generation can unite through social media and fight for political change.
Common Similarities Between the Protests
Although these protests took place in different countries, they share several common similarities. Key among them are the demands for political change and an end to corruption. All protests were fundamentally based on the demand to replace corrupt and incompetent governments. Furthermore, economic problems, unemployment, and inflation in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal were major triggers for the protests.
Youth and students were generally at the forefront of these movements. Social media acted as a crucial tool for them to coordinate and mobilize. As a result of the protests, rulers were ousted in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. In Nepal, pressure for similar change has been building, leading to the setting on fire of several government buildings, including the parliament and the prime minister’s residence, and the ousting of its leaders.
Geopolitics
These political conflicts and popular uprisings in South Asia do not end as mere internal affairs of one country. They affect the stability and security of the entire region. Political turmoil in one nation impacts its neighbors. For instance, there is a high probability that people from economically distressed countries will seek refuge in neighboring nations. During Sri Lanka’s ‘Aragalaya’ protest and economic crisis, it was observed that people fled as refugees to the neighboring country of India. Beyond that, security challenges also arise. A political vacuum created by a country’s internal crisis can become advantageous for terrorist groups and criminals, posing a threat to regional security. On the other hand, an economic crisis in one country can also affect regional trade and investment.
The political changes in South Asia, particularly in Nepal, have become a geopolitical game between two major powers, India and China, who seek to dominate the region. Nepal shares long-standing cultural, religious, and social ties with India, and the two countries share an open border. This connection has created a strong bond between the two nations.
Furthermore, India supports Nepal in many ways, including security, trade, and economic aid. However, India is also accused of interfering in Nepal’s internal affairs. Nepalese political parties are divided into pro-India and pro-China factions. It is alleged that the Indian Ministry of External Affairs covertly supports certain parties to protect its interests in Nepal.
Similarly, China considers Nepal a key Buddhist nation and a strategic bridge connecting to India’s northern border. Under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China is making significant investments in Nepal’s roads, railways, and hydropower projects. While these investments aid Nepal’s economic development, it is said that China is attempting to establish its dominance in the region through them. On the other hand, China has been supportive of Nepal’s communist-led governments. Amidst internal conflicts, this further complicates Nepalese politics. The interference of both India and China intensifies Nepal’s political instability. While India tries to secure its security and border areas, China attempts to expand its economic and geopolitical interests. This geopolitical conflict poses a new threat to Nepal’s future politics and the region’s stability.
Therefore, Nepal’s current conflicts are not just domestic issues. They are part of a broader social and political transformation happening across South Asia, resulting from political corruption, economic distress, and the rise of the youth. The protests in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh demonstrate the public’s dissatisfaction with incompetent governments and economic crises. The future of the region, therefore, depends on political leadership, social justice, and protecting the interests of the youth. The lesson to be learned is that countries like Nepal must find solutions to their internal problems by reducing foreign interference to build a stable system of governance.
Asian News Post author profile,
Leo Nirosha Darshan is a Sri Lanka–based journalist and editor with a passion for uncovering the stories behind global conflicts, defence strategies, and shifting geopolitics. Known for his war and crisis reporting, he offers readers clear insights into some of the world’s most pressing issues. As a contributing author at Asian News Post, Leo combines frontline experience with thoughtful analysis to bring complex events closer to his audience.