Thoughts on the UN 2017 Population Prospects: Procreation-Related Internationally Wrongful Acts, and Overpopulation as Global Risk

Abstract

Two relatively recent factual elements are the basis of this Article: the 2017 revision of the United Nations' Population Prospects, showing a world population increase of around 50% by 2100, and Turkey's President Erdogan's call for the Turks living in Western Europe to "have five children" in order to become the future of the continent. The statement substantiates one of the negative impacts of overpopulation-that on international relations and regional balances of power. This Article argues that (1) Erdogan's incitement to increased procreation abroad qualifies as an internationally wrongful act of Turkey;(2) excessive procreation within national boundaries could qualify as an internationally wrongful act; and (3) although without legal consequences on the perpetrating countries, such a qualification has at least the potential of igniting a renewed debate on the issue of overpopulation. In this context, one way forward as a matter of global policy on the now-stalled debate on population is suggested.