The Truth of the Matter Hidden Depths: Water as a Resource and a Weapon
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Mar 25, 2025 David Michel, a Senior Fellow at CSIS, explores the critical intersection of water security and global conflict. He highlights how water scarcity drives tensions in regions like Ethiopia and Egypt, and discusses its role as both a conflict trigger and a potential tool for cooperation. Michel also emphasizes the urgent need for innovative water management solutions to prevent violence and the significant investment required for global water security. The conversation reveals the broader implications of water issues on U.S. geopolitical and economic interests.
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Water's Importance and Uneven Distribution
- Water is crucial for global economies, food production, energy, and cultural practices.
- However, access is uneven, with billions lacking safe sanitation and drinking water.
Kakhovka Dam Destruction
- Russia destroyed the Kakhovka Dam during the Ukraine war, flooding areas and depriving Ukrainians of resources.
- This exemplifies water used as a weapon, impacting civilian populations and infrastructure.
Rising Water Conflicts
- Both localized and international water conflicts are increasing, with hundreds of incidents annually.
- A research institute catalogs these events, revealing a sharp rise in 21st-century water-related violence.