Final answer:
The world's population is often characterized by individual countries, but with globalization, these boundaries blur, questioning the viability of nation-states. Estimates suggest Earth's population will reach up to 11 billion by 2050, prompting discussions about environmental preservation and the impact of historical colonization on current borders.
Step-by-step explanation:
When discussing how much of Earth's population exists between the nebulous frontiers of superstates, it's important to consider that the world's population is often characterized by individual countries rather than as one general population. With globalization, these boundaries are becoming increasingly blurred, raising questions about the viability of nation-states. The United Nations predicts that by 2050, Earth will host 9.4 billion people, while other estimates suggest up to 11 billion. In densely populated countries like Bangladesh, the concept of population density becomes stark, with tremendous numbers of people living in relatively small areas.
There's also historical context to deepen the understanding, such as how a small number of countries have legally claimed control over vast portions of the world due to colonial powers drawing borders for their own economic benefits. Considering the current and estimated future populations, discussions about setting aside portions of Earth to be off-limits to human extraction are becoming relevant. The idea of nation-states is further called into question with the recognition that arbitrarily drawn borders rarely reflected the historical identities of local populations.
In essence, while the concept of nations persists, the reality of Earth's population dynamics is far more complex and influenced by global patterns of control, historical colonization, and environmental concerns that transcend traditional borders.