Introduction

Abstract

Demographic change and unprecedented population dynamics are a global phenomenon affecting both the developed and the developing world. This inevitable change, however, does not simply involve the size of a given nation's population – it also entails a new relationship between generations, one that on a national level presents challenges related to the economy, wealth, health, political governance, and social structures. Such demographic change can also affect relations between individual nations and regions, creating new alliances and increasing the influence of some countries while decreasing the power of others. How then will the various actors respond? To answer this question, we first recognize that demographic development and planning for a country’s future – both in economic and social terms – is characterized by one important feature: it focuses not merely on the future but on long-term outcomes over periods far beyond those usually considered.