Peter Schwartzstein, an environmental journalist and author of "The Heat and the Fury," joins the discussion to unveil the dire realities of water as both a weapon and victim in conflict. He highlights how water infrastructure is deliberately targeted to exert power over populations, exacerbating humanitarian crises. The conversation dives into historical and contemporary conflicts, with a focus on the Tigris-Euphrates River disputes, and stresses the urgent need for governance to mitigate these escalating water-driven tensions amid climate change.
Water has historically shaped conflicts, exemplified by ancient Sumerian city-states, highlighting its role in power dynamics and tensions.
Recent conflicts demonstrate how water is weaponized through targeted destruction and manipulation, necessitating a comprehensive approach to safeguard water security.
Deep dives
The Historical Context of Water Conflict
Water has played a vital role in shaping conflicts throughout history, as evidenced by ancient Sumerian city-states like Uma and Lagash, who fought over access to the essential resource of irrigation from the Tigris-Euphrates River Valley. Thousands of years ago, these cities' clash over fertile land marks what some consider the first documented military campaign driven by water disputes. This long-standing legacy continues today, as water remains both a target and a weapon in ongoing conflicts across the Middle East. Understanding this historical context underscores the critical nature of water as a resource that can dictate power dynamics and exacerbate tensions.
Modern Weaponization of Water
Recent conflicts illustrate the weaponization of water, where state and non-state actors leverage access to water as a strategic advantage. Various forms of weaponization include the intentional destruction of vital water sources, coercive regulation of water flows to exert political power, and using access to water as a means of psychological warfare against populations. For instance, Turkey's control over the Euphrates threatens downstream nations like Syria, while ISIS manipulated water systems to strengthen its military position during its campaign in Iraq. These tactics highlight the urgent need to address how water security influences contemporary conflicts and humanitarian crises.
The Need for Comprehensive Solutions
Addressing the growing challenges of water-related conflicts requires an integrated approach from both national and international entities. Strategies must combine political accountability, effective management of water resources, and resilience-building initiatives to prevent the escalation of violence related to water scarcity. Experts emphasize the importance of international norms to safeguard water resources during conflicts and hold violators accountable, while also improving the management of water systems domestically. Thus, a comprehensive understanding of water issues is essential for ensuring human security, food security, and environmental sustainability in conflict zones.
In water-scarce regions, water is more than just a resource; it is a lifeline. But in conflict-affected regions around the world, opposing parties are deliberately targeting water supplies—destroying water infrastructure or seizing and controlling water systems to weaken opponents and exert power over populations.
In this episode of Hidden Depths, host David Michel examines how water is both a weapon and victim of conflict. David is joined by Marcus King, Professor of Practice in Environment and International Affairs at Georgetown University; Marwa Daoudy, Chair of Arab Studies and Associate Professor of International Relations in the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University; and Peter Schwartzstein, Environmental Journalist and Non-Resident Fellow at the Center for Climate and Security.
Join us as we analyze the growing risks of water-driven conflict and what can be done to mitigate its devastating effects.
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