The Intersections of Environmental Insecurities and Civil War in Yemen
Abstract
Yemens most recent civil war began in 2015 and has affected nearly every person in the country. In addition to war and violence, Yemen has historically experienced a wide array of environmental insecurities, including water scarcity, famine, and migration precipitated by these factors. This thesis examines how environmental insecurities have affected the ongoing civil war and whether they have been used as a tool in the war. Also, this thesis asks whether these issues existed before the war or emerged as a by-product of the war. The thesis discovers that although environmental insecurities pre-dated the war, they were not a primary cause of the wars onset. Military forces have intermittently exploited environmental insecurities to their benefit during the war; however, not enough evidence exists at this time to prove insecurities like water scarcity have been used as a tool of war. The war has indeed exacerbated environmental insecurities to deteriorate due to destruction of water infrastructure, blockage of seaports, and internally displaced persons migrating to urban centers. Without an end to the fighting, issues like water scarcity, famine, disease, and migration will continue to worsen.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2021
- Accession Number
- AD1164254
Entities
People
- Timothy S Fitzgerald
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School