Nepal, Oct. 6 -- When tens of thousands of young Nepalis poured into Maitighar and New Baneshwar earlier this month, they were not just protesting a government order to shut down 26 social media platforms. They were voicing a generational frustration that has been simmering for years-against corruption, unresponsive politics, and the lack of opportunity in a country where most young people dream of leaving. Within days, the ban was reversed. The prime minister resigned, and a caretaker government led by Sushila Karki was sworn in. But the wounds are real: independent reports confirm live ammunition was used against demonstrators, many of them teenagers. Lives were lost. Trust was shattered.

To dismiss these protests as a mere reaction to...