DEMOGRAPHIC SECURITY: KEY THREATS AND MEANS OF THEIR REGULATING

Abstract

The approaches to the interpretation of the concept of “demographic security” have been examined in this article, and it is established that some authors when defining “demographic security” focus on the preservation of quantitative and qualitative parameters of the population, others proceed from security concepts and emphasize protection from internal and external threats, and some others still take into account the impact of social institutions on the level of demographic security. Based on the results of the study, demographic security is proposed to consider as “the state of protection of the people’s gene pool, demo-reproductive processes and the formation of demo-structures (gender, age, ethnic) from real and potential threats to strengthen the national security of the state”. Proceeding from this, the object of demographic security, its subjects and goal have been established. It is established that the assessment of the level of demographic security is determined depending on the purpose and depth of the study, and it itself is formed under the influence of various threats, both internal and external. The main threats to demographic security are characterized, among which the aging of the population is the most significant. The existing methods for determining the parameters of population aging are analyzed. The level of demographic aging of the population in Ukraine and in the countries of the European Union is studied. It is established that the main reasons for the population aging are decrease in the birth rate, increase in the average life expectancy of a person and reduce in the mortality rate of children and the elderly. Their level and dynamics and interrelation with the demographic security of the country are analyzed. The results of the study showed that in Ukraine the aging of the population takes place against the background of a significant decrease in birth rates, a partial increase in mortality and a corresponding deepening of the natural population decline. In the European Union, population aging is exacerbated by a slight decline in birth rates, increased mortality and reduced natural population growth. It has been established that the aging of the population entails the emergence of a number of demographic, social, economic, political and other problems. According to the results of the study, a system of measures to address the problems of population aging is proposed.