The demographics of war

The relationship between population and war remains far from clear. Few aspects of life have proved as elusive as the explanation and study of the causative factors of war.

There is little doubt that we really need to understand the important role the population plays, before, during and after conflict. The demographer is interested in war from a number of perspectives.

Firstly, population dynamics and distribution are influential in causing collective violence and aggression. Secondly, War is often seen as a demographic crisis, a crisis of morbidity and mortality, and a crisis which encourages mass migration.

Perhaps as some have argued war may be seen as a Malthusian method of population dynamics with widespread implications leading to demographic loss and age and sex distributions.

Thirdly, the demographic consequences of wars are overwhelming whether it be in the preparations for conflict, the results of active involvement or the aftermath of struggling to return to pre-war conditions.