Hydro-Politics and India: A United States Response to the 21st Century National Security Challenge

Abstract

The Asian continent provides one of the greatest challenges to the United States (US) government and its foreign policy makers. It is home to two countries, China and India, which currently rank first and second in population and will continue to experience rapid population growth for the foreseeable future. Pakistan, a focal point for the US-led global war on terror, is not far behind and will rank fifth in the world (roughly 250 million) by 2050. These three countries are in a fight for the survival of their people, with hydro-resources at the center of much of the tensions that exist within the region. Adding fuel to the fire, all three of these countries are nuclear-equipped and have large conventional military forces as well. As the worlds only superpower, the US must establish strong relationships with the countries of South Asia. In this role, the US can provide the support and guidance to help maintain regional peace while ensuring the hydro-resources are utilized properly and are accessible to all. This paper is a continuation of the Fall semester paper entitled, "Hydro-politics and India: The 21st Century National Security Challenge." Although the scope of both papers covers only India and Pakistan, the issues presented are relevant to all of South Asia. This paper provides a brief history of the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) and the on-going tumultuous relationship between India and Pakistan over their hydro-resources. It then delves into past and current US government interactions with these nations. Finally, this paper offers possible US responses to the three likely scenarios presented in the first paper and provides a recommended course of action for the US government to best confront this 21st century national security challenge.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 01, 2010
Accession Number
AD1019100

Entities

People

  • Matthew J. Zamiska

Organizations

  • Air Command and Staff College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Aircrafts
  • Asia
  • Drainage Basins
  • Energy Production
  • Energy Security
  • Foreign Policy
  • Governments
  • Military Operations
  • National Security
  • Pakistan
  • Reconnaissance
  • Security
  • South Asia
  • Treaties
  • United States
  • United States Government

Readers

  • East Asian Political and Security Studies within the Soviet Union
  • Nuclear Non-Proliferation and International Security