The global balance of power is undergoing a dramatic transformation that extends far beyond the US-China rivalry dominating Western headlines. This eye-opening conversation with experts from three continents reveals how developing nations are reshaping international relations through demographic advantages, economic growth, and strategic non-alignment.
Our panel delivers surprising insights about Africa's explosive potential, where the median age is just 19 and five of the world's ten fastest-growing economies are located. You'll discover how China has established control of 70 ports across 32 African countries while Western powers have grown "shy" about asserting their values and interests. The emerging importance of Namibia—with press freedom rivaling Western democracies and potentially the largest offshore oil discovery in history—challenges conventional thinking about Africa's future.
India's remarkable trajectory takes center stage as Professor Pradip Shukla explains how the world's most populous nation, with 40% of its population under 25, is projected to become the second-largest global economy by 2050. India's strategic balancing act between the US, Russia, and China offers a blueprint for success in this new multipolar reality.
From Latin America, we learn how China has displaced the United States as the primary commercial partner across the region, making billion-dollar infrastructure investments while American influence wanes. The stark contrast between China's port development in Peru versus America's response limited to social media statements illustrates the shifting landscape of regional influence.
The conversation culminates with a provocative discussion about how Western nations might regain lost ground, including the strategic use of tariffs as leverage. Our experts suggest that countries avoiding rigid ideological positions may ultimately prove most successful in navigating this complex new world order.
Listen now to understand the profound forces reshaping global power dynamics and why developing nations will increasingly determine our collective future.

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The Center for Demographics and Policy focuses on research and analysis of global, national, and regional demographic trends and explores policies that might produce favorable demographic results over time. It involves Chapman students in demographic research under the supervision of the Center’s senior staff.
Students work with the Center’s director and engage in research that will serve them well as they look to develop their careers in business, the social sciences, and the arts. Students also have access to our advisory board, which includes distinguished Chapman faculty and major demographic scholars from across the country and the world.
For additional information, please contact Mahnaz Asghari, Associate Director for the Center for Demographics and Policy, at (714) 744-7635 or [email protected].
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This show is presented by the Chapman Center for Demographics and Policy, which focuses on research and analysis of global, national and regional demographic trends and explores policies that might produce favorable demographic results over time.