Water as the future clash for civilizations: a fresh conceptual approach for a Global Trinity? Water Scarcity and Future Conflict- consideration of water scarcity as a primary cause of conflict in the future requiring an adjustment to the Western approach to threats.
Abstract
Western powers have effectively been focused on ideological threats since World War Two, with this ideological disposition reinforced through the last decade's necessary conflicts. Meanwhile, popular acceptance of theories such as Samuel P. Huntington's "Clash of Civilizations" has distracted from other security threats. Amongst these threats is water scarcity, which is likely to present a future environmental security threat. Potentially requiring military intervention, the international community must consider future conflict within an environmental context, in a shift from the predominant ideological focus. This leads to consideration of the requirement for bespoke environment-based security architectures, requiring a re-adjustment of understanding, commitment, and force readiness. Primarily though, this requires the creation of a willingness within Clausewitz's Trinity of the government, military, and people to potentially use force to ensure another nation's water security; a readiness to use force in the name of humanity, rather than necessarily in pursuit of obvious national interest. In considering the implications, there is clearly not yet a conceptual readiness for such a move. Therefore, a military-led debate that results in just such a development across the body politic would indicate achievement of a new balance within the contemporary Trinity, and possibly result in a Global Trinity.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 25, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA601627
Entities
People
- Simon R. Westlake
Organizations
- Marine Corps University