Report Uncovers Links between Demographics and Civil Conflict; Key Indicators Could Predict and Possibly Prevent Conflict

12/15/2003

From: Karyn Beach of Population Action International, 202-557-3419

News Advisory:

WHAT: The Security Demographic examines the role demographic factors can play in predicting and preventing civil conflict. High proportions of young adults, rapid urban population growth, scarcities of land and water all contribute to the vulnerability of countries to new civil conflicts and ongoing instability. The probable contribution of high HIV/AIDS death rates to risk of conflict is also examined. The Security Demographic analyzes these factors, applies them to the assessment of conflict risk, and recommends a series of practical policy steps to address these lethal linkages.

WHEN: 10 a.m. (EST), Wednesday, December 17, 2003

WHERE: Woodrow Wilson Center at the Ronald Reagan Building, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, 6th floor Auditorium (Federal Triangle stop on Blue/Orange Line)

WHO:

-- Lt. General Claudia J. Kennedy (USA Ret.), former deputy chief of staff for intelligence at Headquarters, Department of the Army

-- Major General William L. Nash (USA Ret.), senior fellow, Council on Foreign Relations

-- Dr. Richard P. Cincotta, senior research associate, Population Action International

-- Robert Engelman, vice president for research, Population Action International

-- William H. Draper III, former director of the UN Development Programme, former president and chairman of the Export-Import Bank and PAI Council Member

For more information, including a copy of the embargoed report, contact: Karyn Beach, PAI, 202-557-3419.