Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book shows how the distribution of the world’s population is likely to change towards the end of the 21st century. It discusses the main drivers of population change. The book emphasises that a decline in fertility rates is a universal trend, and Africa is no exception in the long run. It provides a closer look at the trends in the global population movement. The book considers the socio-economic history of Afrasia. It describes relationships between the East and the West are reviewed in terms of catching up and being caught up. The book argues that the centre of gravity of economic growth is turning back from the West to the East, which means that Asia is not emerging but re-emerging. It considers possible directions future Afrasia might take. The book discusses the international relations (IR) and cultures across Africa and Asia.