Resumen

ALBA, Francisco. Oportunidades y retos demográficos, económicos y políticos a principios del siglo XXI. Pap. poblac [online]. 2001, vol.7, n.29, pp.09-20. ISSN 2448-7147.

This article reflects on the nature of development at the turn of the century, not because ideas or experiences adjust themselves to a century-long rhythm, but because in the last part of the XXth century changes were produced which amply justify revising prior propositions regarding development and the relation between population and development. Simple-minded notions, including the current economic orthodoxy, are not solutions for the tasks of development. In order to attain development, "good government" is required; that is, institutions and politics that are well-designed, balanced, and inclusive, which integrate stable, sustained economic growth with social equity, democratic participation, and sustainable ecology. This implies a recognition of the great complexity of societal interrelations, where values, rules, and traditions are also important as well as institutions and individual initiatives.