UPDATE: A powerful movement is emerging as Generation Z reshapes the expectations of justice across the globe. Students at the University of Tehran, in response to recent protests following the death of a classmate, gathered to demand accountability, resonating with similar movements worldwide, including those at Columbia University and the University of Sheffield.
In a groundbreaking lecture delivered in December 2025 from Iran to students at the University of Sheffield, a speaker articulated a striking reality: the profound connectivity of today’s youth. This digital intimacy is not merely a phenomenon; it is transforming the fabric of international law itself. As grievances and aspirations travel across borders in real-time, a new generation of global citizens is emerging—one that refuses to be confined by traditional national identities.
The speaker emphasized that this generation, born into the digital age, engages with international law not through dusty treaties but through viral hashtags, live-streamed protests, and shared experiences of pain and hope. These young activists are not mere spectators; they actively participate in a dialogue that redefines what it means to seek justice.
WHY IT MATTERS NOW: The immediacy of their activism has created a new landscape for international law, making it more accessible and relevant. With a shared exposure to global issues—such as the struggles of a Palestinian child or an Afghan student—Gen Z is cultivating empathy and solidarity that transcends borders. Their collective actions are transforming local protests into a global call for accountability, reflecting a shared urgency for justice.
Recent events underscore this shift. In February 2026, medical students at the University of Tehran halted their examinations to protest the lack of accountability following the death of a classmate in protests. This act of defiance is not isolated; it mirrors similar expressions of dissent from students in cities like New York and London, highlighting a shared grammar of protest that operates across cultural boundaries.
THE GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE: As teenagers in Lagos, Seoul, and São Paulo engage with the same court rulings and UN statements, their expectations for justice converge. They are not identical in their struggles, but their shared digital experiences enable them to recognize common vulnerabilities and aspirations. This interconnectedness is reshaping legal norms and expectations, creating a borderless understanding of justice.
Cornelius Castoriadis’s theory posits that societies are shaped by collective imaginations. Gen Z embodies this principle, acting as creators of their norms and expectations rather than waiting for permission from established institutions. They crowdsource evidence, mobilize petitions, and pressure corporations to respond to injustices, fundamentally altering the dynamics of international law.
As the speaker at Sheffield noted, this generation is not merely interpreting laws; they are actively involved in crafting them. Their collective voice is amplified through social media, creating a moral impetus that institutions can no longer ignore. Every viral video, every shared testimony, and every call for accountability expands the boundaries of what the law must address.
LOOKING FORWARD: The implications of this movement are profound. Gen Z is not just challenging existing structures; they are building a new framework for understanding justice in an interconnected world. Their activism, while sometimes impulsive and messy, has the potential to transform the legal landscape into one that is plural and responsive to the very people it serves.
As conversations about justice evolve, the role of international law is increasingly scrutinized. The expectation that justice should be immediate and accessible is now a shared belief among millions of young people worldwide. The urgency of their demands will continue to shape the discourse around accountability, dignity, and human rights.
The question remains: How will institutions adapt to this new reality? As Gen Z continues to assert their agency, the legal community must respond to their calls for transparency and justice with clarity and purpose.
In the words of the speaker, reflecting on a conversation with a student from Sheffield: “We did not sound alike because we were identical. We sounded alike because we had listened long enough to share a horizon.” This horizon—defined by shared experiences and aspirations—marks a critical juncture in the evolution of international law. As Gen Z leads the charge for change, the future of justice is being rewritten before our eyes.
