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Lebensraum

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  • Julian L. Simon

    (University of Maryland)

Abstract

Population growth may progressively reduce one of the motives for making war. Namely, population growth threatens shortages of resources, and especially land. Impending shortages cause a search for ways to mitigate the shortages. The discoveries eventually produce greater availability of resources than if population growth and pressure on resources had never occurred. The argument runs as follows: (1) Rhetoric about resource scarcity induced by population density has often contributed to international conflict, even if economics has not been the main motive in making war. (2) In the pre-modern era, war to obtain land and other natural resources may sometimes have been an economically sound policy. (3) Politicians and others in industrially developed nations believe resources may still be a casus belli. (4) Land and other productive resources are no longer worth acquiring at the cost of war.

Suggested Citation

  • Julian L. Simon, 1989. "Lebensraum," Journal of Conflict Resolution, Peace Science Society (International), vol. 33(1), pages 164-180, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:jocore:v:33:y:1989:i:1:p:164-180
    DOI: 10.1177/0022002789033001007
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