demographics

Is there a middle ground between open borders and immigration restriction? This thought-provoking discussion with GOP strategist Mike Madrid and Venezuelan immigrant Dr. Daniel DiMartino explores the complex realities of America's immigration debate beyond the partisan talking points.

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The Center for Demographics and Policy focuses on research and analysis of global, national, and regional demographic trends and explores policies that might produce favorable demographic results over time. It involves Chapman students in demographic research under the supervision of the Center’s senior staff.

Students work with the Center’s director and engage in research that will serve them well as they look to develop their careers in business, the social sciences, and the arts. Students also have access to our advisory board, which includes distinguished Chapman faculty and major demographic scholars from across the country and the world.

For additional information, please contact Mahnaz Asghari, Associate Director of the Center for Demographics and Policy, at (714) 744-7635 or asghari@chapman.edu

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This show is presented by the Chapman Center for Demographics and Policy, which focuses on research and analysis of global, national and regional demographic trends and explores policies that might produce favorable demographic results over time.

Feudal Future Podcast — Non-Aligned Nations Navigating a Multipolar World

Joel Kotkin and Marshall Toplansky — Tue, 19 Aug 2025 15:51:52 -0400

The global balance of power is undergoing a dramatic transformation that extends far beyond the US-China rivalry dominating Western headlines. This eye-opening conversation with experts from three continents reveals how developing nations are reshaping international relations through demographic advantages, economic growth, and strategic non-alignment.

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For additional information, please contact Mahnaz Asghari, Associate Director of the Center for Demographics and Policy, at (714) 744-7635 or asghari@chapman.edu

Tweet thoughts: @joelkotkin, @mtoplansky, #FeudalFuture #BeyondFeudalism

Learn more about Joel’s book ‘The Coming of Neo-Feudalism‘

Feudal Future Podcast — The Gender Gap & its Impact on the Global Future

Joel Kotkin and Marshall Toplansky — Tue, 05 Aug 2025 12:17:25 -0400

The widening gender gap is reshaping American society in profound and troubling ways. Join hosts Marshall Toplansky and Joel Kotkin as they dive deep into this growing divide with Christine Emba, author of "Rethinking Sex: A Provocation," and Aaron Renn, writer of "Life in the Negative World."

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For additional information, please contact Mahnaz Asghari, Associate Director of the Center for Demographics and Policy, at (714) 744-7635 or asghari@chapman.edu

Tweet thoughts: @joelkotkin, @mtoplansky, #FeudalFuture #BeyondFeudalism

Learn more about Joel’s book ‘The Coming of Neo-Feudalism‘

Feudal Future Podcast — Jewish Migration: The Southern Shift

Joel Kotkin and Marshall Toplansky — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 16:44:58 -0400

America's Jewish geography is undergoing a dramatic transformation, shifting from its historical concentration in the Northeast to flourishing communities across the South and West. This fascinating evolution reflects broader demographic patterns while revealing unique insights about Jewish identity, community formation, and cultural adaptation.

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For additional information, please contact Mahnaz Asghari, Associate Director of the Center for Demographics and Policy, at (714) 744-7635 or asghari@chapman.edu

Tweet thoughts: @joelkotkin, @mtoplansky, #FeudalFuture #BeyondFeudalism

Learn more about Joel’s book ‘The Coming of Neo-Feudalism‘

Feudal Future Podcast — Europe at the Crossroads

Joel Kotkin and Marshall Toplansky — Tue, 17 Jun 2025 17:10:50 -0400

The economic and political landscape between the United States and Europe is undergoing a seismic shift as Trump’s tariff threats create ripples across the Atlantic. Our expert guests, Professor Veronica de Romanis from Rome and journalist Fraser Myers from London, provide fascinating insights into how European countries are responding to this new economic reality.

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For additional information, please contact Mahnaz Asghari, sponsored project analyst for the Office of Research, at (714) 744-7635 or asghari@chapman.edu.

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Learn more about Joel’s book ‘The Coming of Neo-Feudalism‘

Home is Where the Chabad Is

Hannah Kotkin — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 11:51:41 -0400

For Jewish college students, Chabad is more than just a social organization—it's a community of inclusion and belonging.

When I embarked on a ten-day long trip to Montreal, I did not expect to end up sitting in a plastic chair eating a free meal of Israeli food from a styrofoam plate at McGill University. My boyfriend of the time had signed us up– we were low on money and knew that Chabad would give us free food. I was hesitant. We didn’t know anyone at McGill– wouldn’t it be awkward to just walk into a random school building and sit down for a Shabbos meal with complete strangers? This, however, proved not to be the case. Upon walking in, we were greeted warmly by the Rabbi, his family, and a healthy group of about fifty students. People made room for us at the tables and we spent the meal telling each other our life stories and discussing the torah portion of the week. Even though I was miles away from New York, I felt right at home.

This experience was not singular. My boyfriend, who went to school at Indiana University, had introduced me to Chabad at his college the year before. When I would visit, he would take me to the Chabad house on Friday nights. IU’s Jewish community is quite large with a lively, friendly, and accommodating Chabad to match. At Indiana, Chabad is more than just an organization– it’s a lifestyle. Events range from Torah study to parties to family-style dinners. The Chabad there has greatly catered to their audience by often collaborating with Jewish greek life organizations through philanthropy and volunteer work. I have several Jewish friends at IU, all of whom are either on the board of the organization or regularly attend events. For many, it has placed Judaism at the forefront of their lives, which for some is a new and often unexpected change from their life before.

What is to be said about this Chabad takeover? Why Chabad as compared to other organizations such as Hillel or SSI (Students Supporting Israel)? The answer lies in Chabad’s main goal to meet students where they are. This strategy is both compelling and effective. Although Chabad is an orthodox sector of Judaism, they don’t require students to climb to their level, but actually encourage them to remain where they are. They focus on the importance of simply showing up.

Over 3,500 Chabad-Lubavitch institutions exist in more than 85 countries. The movement originated in the 18th century in Russia, stemming from persecution that leaders of the movement faced when trying to keep the Torah alive. Chabad’s official website states that the meaning behind Chabad is to care for the “spiritual and material needs of all Jews.”

From this mission statement came the establishment of the Chabad House, influenced by Baal Shem Tov, whose teachings focus on the joy of faith through trusting and loving one’s soul rather than their outer being. Even though the leaders of Chabad know they are oftentimes more religious than a majority of their community, their place is not to judge but rather to accept with open arms. For college students, this acceptance is empowering and extremely appealing– students can be a part of a community that doesn’t necessarily require anything of them. Chabad welcomes all Jewish folk into their home, regardless of degree of faith or political belief. Membership comes simply from being part of the tribe.

To an outsider, this intermingling of individuals from different sectors of the Jewish religion may appear strange. But at its core, this act is a fundamental pillar of the Jewish religion, and something that has kept us alive and afloat for so many years.

Chabad is an example of how to effectively build a community that supports and gauges the interest of young college-age people. While the Chabad movement may be perceived by some as promulgating archaic ideas, it has instead transcended the traditional inward-looking boundaries of the Hasidic movement and offered a common place for the entire Jewish community. The Chabad House is an invaluable place of asylum for Jewish students and a source of help and support in a post-October 7th world.

Hannah Kotkin is a junior at Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, NY.

Feudal Future Podcast — El Futuro es Latino Town Hall

Joel Kotkin and Marshall Toplansky — Fri, 14 Mar 2025 20:53:35 -0400

Keeping the Dream Alive for the Next Generation The future of California’s economy depends on Latino communities. This stark reality emerges vividly in our special town hall session recorded at the Cheech Collection for Chicano Art in Riverside, where experts gathered to discuss findings from “El Futuro es Latino,” a groundbreaking research project from Chapman University.

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For additional information, please contact Mahnaz Asghari, sponsored project analyst for the Office of Research, at (714) 744-7635 or asghari@chapman.edu.

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Learn more about Joel’s book ‘The Coming of Neo-Feudalism‘

Feudal Future Podcast — Populism Unpacked: Voices from the Heartland

Joel Kotkin and Marshall Toplansky — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 20:43:40 -0500

Dive into the compelling world of populism in our latest podcast episode where we engage with thought leaders Ryan Streeter and Karl Zinsmeister. With multiple perspectives surrounding the rise of populism, this episode unpacks what it means for the future of American governance and society at large. Discussing the resurgence of populism, our guests present arguments on how it can serve as a counter to the elite's dominance, spotlighting the voices of the working and middle class as critical elements in shaping America's future.

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For additional information, please contact Mahnaz Asghari, sponsored project analyst for the Office of Research, at (714) 744-7635 or asghari@chapman.edu.

Tweet thoughts: @joelkotkin, @mtoplansky, #FeudalFuture #BeyondFeudalism

Learn more about Joel’s book ‘The Coming of Neo-Feudalism‘

Feudal Future Podcast — Political Parties and Latino Economic Priorities

Joel Kotkin and Marshall Toplansky — Wed, 06 Nov 2024 18:03:11 -0500

Discover how the Latino community is redefining America's democratic landscape with our fascinating guest, Mike Madrid, author of "The Latino Century." In our conversation, we promise you'll gain a deeper understanding of the seismic shift as Latinos transition from minority status to a central demographic force, particularly in California. This episode unpacks the crucial need for an economic blueprint that propels Latinos into the middle class, spotlighting housing affordability as a key battleground. We unravel how generational changes are moving Latino voters away from the ethnic-driven politics of the past towards a more economically-focused agenda.

Join us as we navigate the complex political landscape influenced by Latino voters, putting economic issues above immigration reform. We delve into the challenges faced by both political parties as they strive to align with Latino priorities amidst California's ethnic transformation. We explore how prominent political figures like Kamala Harris are perceived by Latino voters and how their perspectives are evolving towards economic pragmatism. This episode offers insightful perspectives on the need for both parties to prioritize middle-class concerns, anticipating a political realignment driven by the Latino community's growing influence.

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More podcast episodes & show notes at JoelKotkin.com

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Support Our Work

For additional information, please contact Mahnaz Asghari, sponsored project analyst for the Office of Research, at (714) 744-7635 or asghari@chapman.edu.

Tweet thoughts: @joelkotkin, @mtoplansky, #FeudalFuture #BeyondFeudalism

Learn more about Joel’s book ‘The Coming of Neo-Feudalism‘