Final answer:
Hartmann defines the 'degradation narrative' as the belief that environmental degeneration is caused by overpopulation, thereby correlating it with Malthusianism. It is popular in Western policy circles due to its overlap with deep-seated economic and imperialistic interests.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Hartmann, the 'degradation narrative' is a belief that environmental degradation is directly attributable to overpopulation. This narrative is indeed related to Malthusianism, as it shares the Malthusian concern with the limitations imposed by finite resources and the potential for unchecked population growth to exacerbate environmental issues. It aligns with Malthusianism in the sense that it suggests population control measures may be necessary to mitigate environmental decline.
Hartmann suggests this narrative has gained popularity in Western policy circles due to its alignment with longstanding Western economic interests and imperialistic motives. The West has historically been concerned with resource control and has often justified control over other regions through narratives that emphasize the need for management of resources, which has led to the imposition of population control measures in the global South.