We investigate the dynamics of Asia and North Africa in the later middle ages and new time. It is shown that intensification occurs in the absence of extensive economic strategy. A comparison of data on population, the availability and condition of land resources, results of socio-economic development in these countries shows that the lack of resources in traditional agricultural Economics is a necessary factor for modernization. His absence pushes on the way “retarded modernization” with the characteristic slowing down of the transformation of the social structure, technological backwardness, chronic, periodic breakdowns and pullbacks to the traditional system of relations.