Diffusion or Divergence? A Comparative Analysis of Youth-Led Movements in Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka

Abstract

This study aims to determine whether the movement in Nepal (2025) causing the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli was inevitable in that given the country’s domestic circumstances or was somehow inspired by past regional events such as Sri Lanka (2022) and Bangladesh (2024). This study employs a qualitative comparative method to analyse secondary data containing digital content relevant to the protest from X (Twitter), Instagram, TikTok, Discord and other social media platform and reports and analysis published by various think-tanks news agencies. To explore the patterns of diffusion or divergence, the data are collected and analysed adopting a conceptual framework that puts emphasis on strategies, organization, structure, symbols and primary grievances of the movements. The core findings show an integrated relationship. While the Nepali protest was mainly inspired by contemporary domestic issues such as indiscriminate political oppression, economic mismanagement and generational frustration, there is unique evidence of tactical and symbolic adoption both from Sri Lanka’s Aragalaya and Bangladesh’s July movement. Although the protest in Nepal 2025 was established on a domestic base, this study demonstrates that the successful mobilization in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka evidently influenced their strategic movement and tactical expression.

Social Science Review [The Dhaka University Studies, Part-D], Vol.43, No.1, June 2026, pp. 31-48.