De Souza Discusses Demographic Resilience in Latest SAIS Review of International Affairs
In the latest edition of the Review of International Affairs, Roger-Mark De Souza examines the ways in which demographic trends influence security considerations, highlighting some key considerations in light of the reality of climate change and drawing policy implications for the security, humanitarian, and development communities. De Souza suggests that when countries find ways to harness population dynamics they enhance their “demographic resilience” and find ways to plan for the shocks and stresses associated with climate change that may increase their conflict potential.
In the latest edition of the Review of International Affairs, Roger-Mark De Souza examines the ways in which demographic trends influence security considerations, highlighting some key considerations in light of the reality of climate change and drawing policy implications for the security, humanitarian, and development communities. Young people are a country’s key human resource and the embodiment of future potential for development. However, when individual insecurity combines with changing demographics, governance challenges, and other socioeconomic conditions, state security can also be threatened. De Souza suggests that when countries find ways to harness population dynamics they enhance their “demographic resilience” and find ways to plan for the shocks and stresses associated with climate change that may increase their conflict potential.
Contributor
Roger-Mark De Souza
Former Director of Population, Environmental Security, and Resilience
Environmental Change and Security Program
The Environmental Change and Security Program (ECSP) explores the connections between environmental change, health, and population dynamics and their links to conflict, human insecurity, and foreign policy. Read more
Global Risk and Resilience Program
The Global Risk and Resilience Program (GRRP) seeks to support the development of inclusive, resilient networks in local communities facing global change. By providing a platform for sharing lessons, mapping knowledge, and linking people and ideas, GRRP and its affiliated programs empower policymakers, practitioners, and community members to participate in the global dialogue on sustainability and resilience. Empowered communities are better able to develop flexible, diverse, and equitable networks of resilience that can improve their health, preserve their natural resources, and build peace between people in a changing world. Read more
