Ma`rifat Farhangi Ejtemaei

Demographic change is among the most decisive and influential factors shaping the destiny of societies and states. It is an interdisciplinary phenomenon that, through complex reciprocal relations, both affects and is affected by economic, security, political, cultural, social, and familial domains. Demographic data indicate that over recent decades the Islamic Republic of Iran has experienced one of the most unprecedented population decline trends in the world. This sharp decline is expected to generate adverse consequences across various levels, particularly in the security dimension. The present study aims, through a descriptive–analytical method and using library, digital, and field sources, to address the following question from the perspective of the evolving concept of human security: what security implications will these demographic changes have for Iran during the period of international transition? The authors’ hypothesis and the research findings suggest that this trend will produce negative effects in multiple areas of security, especially cultural, political, military, and economic security, and that its continuation will expose Iran’s transition toward the emerging international order to serious risks and challenges.