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Declining birth rates in the Western world may tip the balance of power to the East. A top intelligence advisor says the economy, international security, even the United State’s stature, are all on the line. And it’s because we are not having enough children.

But a leading economist disagrees: technology and education will ride the U.S. economy into continued success. A global populations expert warns if we overpopulate the planet we will have nothing left.

There is a heated debate about how–and whether–to cool the sizzle of the West’s dwindling birth rates.

This hour On Point: the Western world’s shrinking population.

Guests:

Herbert E. Meyer, former Vice Chairman of the CIA National Intelligence Council

David Kelly, Senior Economic Advisor, Putnam Investments

John Guillebaud, Co-Chair, Optimum Population Trust