Water and Conflict in the Middle East.
Abstract
This monograph assesses the potential for conflict in the Middle East as a result of water scarcity. it is guided by the Home-Dixon model linking the contributions of environmental scarcity to violent conflict. The monograph begins with a general overview of the water scarcity issue in the Middle East. It then examines the analytical framework developed by Homer-Dixon to gain an understanding of the contributions of decreasing quality and quantity of renewable resources population growth, and unequal resource access to the development of environmental scarcity. The framework is further used to establish the linkage between environmental scarcity and the outbreak of violent conflict. With an understanding of the relationship between environmental scarcity and violent conflict developed, the monograph investigates the three major Middle East water scarcity regions of the Jordan. Tigris-Euphrates, and Nile river basins. Investigation of these three basin regions focuses on the factors of water quality and quantity, population growth, and water access. Additionally, history of water related conflict in each basin is also reviewed. The monograph concludes with an assessment that the Jordan river basin is the region most likely to experience violent conflict in the future as a result of water scarcity.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 22, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA331308
Entities
People
- Stephen M. Woolwine
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College