Hidden Depths
Water as a Weapon and Victim of Conflict
Mar 10, 2025
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.
24:09
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Quick takeaways
- 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.
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