Bridging the Demographic Divide
While the interplay of demography and development is neither formulaic nor universal, research does reveal that countries with rapidly growing populations are more likely to experience conflict and undemocratic rule.by Elizabeth Leahy
published in the International Relations and Security Network
In recent decades, dramatic world population projections have spanned the
doomsday scenario spectrum: Fear of a Malthusian apocalypse created by unchecked
growth and resulting in mass starvation clashed with anxiety over tanking
birthrates that would leave societies childless and economies ravaged.
These different demographic outlooks were fueled by divergent population trends: rapid population growth in much of the developing world contrasted with aging population structures in many wealthy, stable countries. These disparities frame a complex “demographic divide” that leave us without a uniform, integrated population policy. Indeed, the interaction of numerous development factors - including poverty, inequality, institutional capacity and health - with population trends is neither formulaic nor universal.
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This article is accompanied by the following case studies on Haiti and Yemen
Case Study: Haiti
by Beatrice Daumerie
With 70 percent of its population under age 30 and a history of sustained political instability, Haiti illustrates the dilemma facing a country with an abundance of young people who have too few opportunities.Read more.
Case Study: Yemen
by Elizabeth Leahy
I
ts internal stability teetering on a critical precipice, Yemen demonstrates how demographic trends
can undermine socioeconomic and political development. Read more.
