Peter A. Coclanis: An Optimist Envisions America at Midcentury
[Peter A. Coclanis is Albert R. Newsome distinguished professor of history and director of the Global Research Institute at UNC Chapel Hill.]
*Joel Kotkin, The Next Hundred Million: America in 2050 (Penguin, 2010)
In his provocative new book the California-based writer Joel Kotkin argues that by midcentury the population of the United States will grow by at least 100 million - to more than 400 million people in all. Although the author readily admits that adjusting to growth of such magnitude will not be easy - particularly since much of it will come from immigration - he makes a good case that on balance such growth will not merely be beneficial, but central to our economic competitiveness and our national salvation.
According to Kotkin, an optimist if ever there was one, our "robust demographics" set us apart from other developed countries. More to the point, it is our growing numbers - along with our vast resources, great diversity and high levels of innovation and entrepreneurship - that will enable the U.S. to remain the world's leading power throughout the 21st century....
"The Next Hundred Million" is hardly the last word on our future. Kotkin underestimates the importance of America's global cities, and doesn't pay nearly enough attention to environmental issues, including those associated with sprawl. Nonetheless, the author's upbeat, can-do spirit is refreshing and largely convincing....
Read entire article at Charlottesville Observer
*Joel Kotkin, The Next Hundred Million: America in 2050 (Penguin, 2010)
In his provocative new book the California-based writer Joel Kotkin argues that by midcentury the population of the United States will grow by at least 100 million - to more than 400 million people in all. Although the author readily admits that adjusting to growth of such magnitude will not be easy - particularly since much of it will come from immigration - he makes a good case that on balance such growth will not merely be beneficial, but central to our economic competitiveness and our national salvation.
According to Kotkin, an optimist if ever there was one, our "robust demographics" set us apart from other developed countries. More to the point, it is our growing numbers - along with our vast resources, great diversity and high levels of innovation and entrepreneurship - that will enable the U.S. to remain the world's leading power throughout the 21st century....
"The Next Hundred Million" is hardly the last word on our future. Kotkin underestimates the importance of America's global cities, and doesn't pay nearly enough attention to environmental issues, including those associated with sprawl. Nonetheless, the author's upbeat, can-do spirit is refreshing and largely convincing....