Youth at a Political Crossroads: Shifting Voter Trends in Austria, Germany and the US

In 2024, elections across Austria, Germany, and the United States revealed a striking shift in the political inclinations of Generation Z (Gen Z). Younger voters are increasingly polarized, with significant support emerging for far-right parties in Europe, and near-even splits between Democrats and Republicans in the U.S. This policy brief explores the drivers behind this phenomenon, including dissatisfaction with traditional political structures, socio-economic challenges, targeted social media campaigns and mental health problems.

Key findings include:

1. Shift to the Right: In Germany and Austria, parties like the AfD and FPÖ garnered unprecedented youth support, while in the U.S., Gen Z voters displayed a nearly even split between Democrats and Republicans.
2. Social Media Influence: Platforms such as TikTok and podcasts have become powerful tools for political mobilization, with right-wing and anti-establishment parties using these mediums effectively to engage young voters.
3. Mental Health and Loneliness: Loneliness and mental health challenges exacerbated by crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic appear to contribute to youth susceptibility to authoritarian ideologies and misinformation.

To read more, download the Policy Brief HERE.

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