Politics of young citizens is selectively progressive

Significance

This should make it easier to advance and defend progressive positions on issues such as abortion, education and inheritance -- as well as protections for the LGBTQI+ community. However, in some regions they are less tolerant of other belief systems, and may be less likely to support democracy.

Impacts

• Elite manipulation of religious divisions will prevent an improvement in religious tolerance, especially in South Asia.
• There will be stronger support for proactive measures to promote women’s rights but more in wealthier economies.
• The lack of support for democracy among younger people in Africa may embolden authoritarian leaders and facilitate further backsliding.
• Low religious tolerance in some nations raises the risks of inter-communal violence, especially young men perpetrating large-scale clashes.