The Gist Jonah Blank: “Very Quickly and Then Very Slowly” in Nepal
10 snips
Oct 3, 2025 Jonah Blank, a South Asia expert and author, delves into the recent youth-led uprising in Nepal. He discusses how a mix of social media influence and economic inequality fueled widespread protests against government corruption. Jonah describes the challenges of trust in political institutions and the impact of remittances on daily life. He also addresses the complex dynamics of Nepal's political landscape and what the future holds for its new leadership amidst calls for reform.
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Social Media Drives News In Nepal
- Social media is the primary news source in Nepal and shapes political reactions more than traditional media.
- Jonah Blank says TikTok and Instagram drive public opinion because most Nepalis get news there.
Visible Wealth Fueled Public Anger
- Flaunted elite wealth on social platforms intensified public anger and politicized aesthetics.
- Jonah Blank links displays of luxury by leaders' families to the uprising's fuel.
VPNs Undermined Censorship Efforts
- The government's social-media crackdown failed partly because many Nepalis use VPNs to bypass restrictions.
- Jonah Blank notes the middle class widely uses VPNs, limiting enforcement.
