Despite the varying contexts across continents, young people share a joint concern when asked about their problems: the economic situation in their country; particularly unemployment and inequality. In addition, climate change, violent conflicts and the remnants of the COVID 19 pandemic contribute to a sense of powerlessness and hopelessness. However, this sense of hopelessness does not necessarily translate into increased political participation: electoral participation remains lower in young age cohorts, and young people seem increasingly dissatisfied with democracy altogether. Declining trust in political institutions and growing scepticism, combined with a low interest in politics, reflect the current state of democratic apathy that many young people are experiencing.

In some instances, the apparent disconnect from the political system results in other forms of political expression, such as participation in protests, civic organizations or social movements. Climate activism is one example of engagement outside the formal political system. At the same time, alienation from political institutions can also result in heightened openness towards extreme political positions. If public policies do not adequately address structural economic and income inequalities, social exclusion, dissatisfaction and polarization are likely to increase further.

This year’s Megatrends lecture, jointly organized by CASSIS, EADI and Megatrends Afrika (IDOS) discusses political attitudes and participation of young people in Africa and Europe by asking: How do young people act and engage in an era of upheaval? How does the political establishment address young peoples’ concerns, especially in Africa, where young people constitute the biggest electoral group? Are we witnessing new forms of lasting political engagement or do we enter an age of disillusion?