New Delhi, Sept. 16 -- The recent mass uprising in Nepal - preceded by similar movements in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Indonesia - is a matter of deep concern. These four are developing countries, and many observers attribute the unrest to socio-economic distress caused by corruption and misgovernance.

However, the current wave of protests in a developed country like France suggests that economic hardship and corruption cannot be the sole explanations. Something deeper seems to be driving this global pattern of unrest.

Different Causes, Same Pattern

While the triggers vary, the outcomes look strikingly similar:

Food shortages and a severe economic crisis sparked protests.

Bangladesh: Anger against the government's alleged authoritari...