Abstract

The paper focuses on recent changes in historiography which have been affected as much by a prevalent global outlook as by an awareness of the demographic and ecological pressures that threaten humankind as a whole. The new trend of world history treats the past in relation to developments on a cross-regional or global scale, building on an already established tradition of interdisciplinary method. The works of W.H. McNeill. A. Crosby. D. Landes and A.G. Frank, among others, especially their treatment of demographic issues in their environmental, economic and social contexts, seem particularly relevant to anyone wishing to view current problems of overpopulation in their historical perspective and complexity.