Demographics impact overall security and political stability in each nation. Population is a primary factor for conflict. High population density, income inequality and poverty are the driving factors for conflict according to Hague and Ellingsen (Floyd and Matthew, 207). Changes in the power structure lead to conflict (Floyd and Matthew, 203). I do want to point out that there are many factors that go into conflict. In Chapter 11, Floyd and Matthew give the example of how demography and insecurity are connected and help to contribute to the violence in Haiti. However, this disregards other factors such as the lack of government, which also is a cause of the violence (Floyd and Matthew, 211). Another conflict causing factor revolves around population and fossil fuel use. Populations globally have a dependence on fossil fuels. I am wondering how can countries come together to support growth, without supporting fossil fuels? It was touched upon in a section, but population and their connection to fossil fuel interests me.
Population, a factor of security driven by fertility, mortality, and migration, is an interesting factor all across the globe. Specifically in India, it is rather mesmerizing. This is a country with the second highest populations in the world. There are vast inequalities that I want to explore more into. There are many inequalities between men and women. From sex-selection abortions to violence between men and women, there are many population related problems (Floyd and Matthew, 212). There have also been huge breakthroughs since the 1970s with more women in rural areas getting jobs. Due to the exportation of jobs from other countries, such as America, there has been a more equal in the capital systems allowing for more human security. Sexism and caste/classism are two ideologies and factors behind the human conflicts in India.
Societal and environmental securities as human security were two sections in Chapter 11, which both deserve to have more light. The linkages are vast and they are often forgotten. Humans too often forget that if there is a lack of security with the environment and society, then the state is insecure. We often think of the military as being able to deliver human security, however while that happens, they fail with providing environmental security. There are cases where there is protection of external threat, but really the threats are internal and environmental.