| 1. |
- Black, Richard, et al.
(author)
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Environment of Peace : Security in a New Era of Risk
- 2022
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Reports (other academic/artistic)abstract
- The environmental crisis is increasing risks to security and peace worldwide, notably in countries that are already fragile. Indicators of insecurity such as the number of conflicts, the number of hungry people and military expenditure are rising; so are indicators of environmental decline, in climate change, biodiversity, pollution and other areas. In combination, the security and environmental crises are creating compound, cascading, emergent, systemic and existential risks. Without profound changes of approach by institutions of authority, risks will inevitably proliferate quickly. Environment of Peace surveys the evolving risk landscape and documents a number of developments that indicate a pathway to solutions––in international law and policy, in peacekeeping operations and among non-governmental organizations. It finds that two principal avenues need to be developed: (a) combining peace-building and environmental restoration, and (b) effectively addressing the underlying environmental issues. It also analyses the potential of existing and emerging pro-environment measures for exacerbating risks to peace and security. The findings demonstrate that only just and peaceful transitions to more sustainable practices can be effective––and show that these transitions also need to be rapid.
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| 2. |
- Döring, Stefan, Dr, et al.
(author)
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Integrating socio-hydrology, and peace and conflict research
- 2024
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In: Journal of Hydrology. - : Elsevier. - 0022-1694 .- 1879-2707. ; 633
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Socio-hydrology strives to incorporate 'the social' into the understanding of hydrological processes, aiming to enrich the analysis of water systems by considering human interactions. While there is a broader interest in integrating socio-political processes into hydrology, our paper specifically emphasizes the significant contributions of peace and conflict research to understanding the complex social dynamics surrounding water. We conduct a brief review of key literature on interstate water sharing, international norms on water, and domestic water disputes, drawing extensively from empirical studies within peace and conflict research—a field with a rich tradition of examining the interplay of water systems and social dynamics. Building on this foundation, we propose ways to weave insights from peace research, especially environmental peacebuilding, into the realm of socio-hydrology. We also highlight the crucial role of power, politics, and social factors in shaping water-related interactions and conflicts. By fostering a dialogue between socio-hydrology and peace and conflict research, we advocate for a more nuanced understanding of water management and governance. This interdisciplinary approach, we argue, is essential for promoting sustainable and equitable water use, and for addressing the challenges posed by water-related conflicts in a rapidly changing global context.
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| 3. |
- Grech-Madin, Charlotte, 1992-, et al.
(author)
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Negotiating Water across Levels : A Peace and Conflict “Toolbox” for Water Diplomacy
- 2018
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In: Journal of Hydrology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0022-1694 .- 1879-2707. ; 559, s. 100-109
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- As a key policy tool, water diplomacy offers greater political engagement in the cooperative management of shared water. A range of initiatives has been dedicated to this end, almost invariably oriented around the interactions of nation states. Crucially, however, practitioners of water diplomacy also need to address water governance at sub-state levels. As a political, multi-level, and normative field, peace and conflict research offers a pluralism of approaches designed to bring actors together at all levels. Drawing upon this research, this paper offers new focal points for water diplomacy that can enhance its policy effectiveness and enrich its underlying academic current. More specifically, it presents three hitherto undervalued tools for water diplomacy: at the interstate level, to uncover the rich body of political norms that bind states to shared understandings of acceptable practice around water. At the intrastate level, to incorporate ethnography of water users and civil society groups’ responses to state-led waterworks projects, and at the communal level to employ disaggregated georeferenced data on water resources in conflict-prone areas. Taken together, these analytical tools provide a multi-faceted political gauge of the dynamics of water diplomacy, and add vital impetus to develop water diplomacy across multiple levels of policy engagement.
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| 4. |
- Jägerskog, Anders, et al.
(author)
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Land acquisition : a means to mitigate water scarcity and reduce conflict?
- 2016
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In: Hydrological Sciences Journal. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0262-6667 .- 2150-3435. ; 61:7, s. 1338-1345
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In recent years there has been a surge in land investments, primarily in the African continent, but also in Asia and Latin America. This increase in land investment was driven by the food pricing crisis of 2007-2008. Land investors can be identified from a variety of sectors, with actors ranging from hedge funds to national companies. Many water-scarce countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) are among these financiers, and primarily invest in Africa. Recognizing the potential for "outsourcing" their food security (and thereby also partly their water security), Middle Eastern countries such as Jordan, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates have invested in land for food production in Africa. The extent to which this is happening is still unclear, as many contracts are not yet official and the extent of the leases is vague. This paper investigates the land investments and acquisitions by Middle Eastern countries. It also seeks to analyse what effect, if any, these investments can have on the potential for conflict reduction and subsequent peacebuilding in the Middle East region as the activity removes pressure from transboundary water resources.
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| 5. |
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| 6. |
- Kim, Kyungmee
(author)
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Civil Resistance in the Shadow of War : Explaining popular mobilization against dams in Myanmar
- 2021
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Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Why do some conflict-affected communities collectively resist dam-building while others do not? State-backed development projects such as hydropower dams have been the subject of societal resistance in countries around the world. In armed conflict areas, local populations who organize nonviolent resistance through collective action against these high-impact projects face additional challenges, such as being targeted for violence and coercion by the authorities. Some of these communities succeed in mobilizing widespread, long-term resistance, but others do not. This dissertation investigates this puzzle by focusing on Kachin, Karen, and Ta’ang minority communities in Myanmar affected, respectively, by the planned Myitsone, Hatgyi, and Shweli dams. Empirical material collected during 13 months of fieldwork in Myanmar reveals that the social-psychological legacies of armed conflict between the central government and minority groups have shaped the dam-opposition campaigns’ collective responses. The variation in community reactions to planned dam projects can be explained by the varying salience and boundaries of collective identities, derived largely from the population’s conflict experiences. Identity formation in conflict-affected societies was influenced by the population’s conflict experiences, collective memories, and trauma passed on between generations. Collective victimhood, in particular, was found to be embedded in identity, which was instrumental for forming a cognitive-affective repertoire for the local population who recognized the dam as collective harm that must be faced through community solidarity. Conflict dynamics and a community’s organizational capacity further affected the patterns of social mobilization and spread of resistance. The research findings contribute to a better understanding of civil resistance in armed conflict areas by broadening the scope of threats that civilian populations face in conflict settings. It conceptualizes negative social and environmental impacts of dams and other state interventions as a cause of civil resistance. This research also highlights the linkage between armed conflict and social mobilization through the shared experiences of local communities. The findings have policy implications as they suggest the importance of a cautionary approach when promoting development in post-conflict environments. The results also imply that community-level peacebuilding should seriously engage with local communities in efforts to better understand the legacies of war and shared identity.
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| 7. |
- Kim, Kyungmee, et al.
(author)
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Climate Change and Violent Conflict in the Middle East and North Africa
- 2023
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In: International Studies Review. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1521-9488 .- 1468-2486. ; 25:4
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Previous research has demonstrated that climate change can escalate the risks for violent conflict through various pathways. Existing evidence suggests that contextual factors, such as migration and livelihood options, governance arrangements, and existing conflict dynamics, can influence the pathways through which climate change leads to conflict. This important insight leads to an inquiry to identify sets of conditions and processes that make climate-related violent conflict more likely. In this analytic essay, we conduct a systematic review of scholarly literature published during the period 1989–2022 and explore the climate-conflict pathways in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Through the systematic review of forty-one peer-reviewed publications in English, we identify that society’s ability to cope with the changing climate and extreme weather events is influenced by a range of factors, including preceding government policies that led to the mismanagement of land and water and existing conflict dynamics in the MENA region. Empirical research to unpack the complex and diverse relationship between the climate shocks and violent conflict in the MENA region needs advancing. Several avenues for future research are highlighted such as more studies on North Africa and the Gulf region, with focus on the implications of floods and heatwaves, and exploring climate implications on non-agriculture sectors including the critical oil sector.
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| 8. |
- Kim, Kyungmee, et al.
(author)
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Climate, Peace and Security Fact Sheet : Yemen (2023)
- 2023
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Reports (pop. science, debate, etc.)abstract
- This Climate, Peace and Security Fact Sheet examines the prolonged political, humanitarian and developmental challenges faced by Yemen. It offers a range of recommended actions for the international community to address these issues effectively.Yemen is grappling with a severe humanitarian crisis triggered by ongoing conflict, economic instability and climate change-related disasters. The country is experiencing escalating temperatures, rising sea levels and shifting rainfall patterns, resulting in devastating floods, droughts, water scarcity and soil degradation. These extreme weather events have wreaked havoc on irrigation systems and agricultural livelihoods, amplifying the insecurity surrounding food and sustainable livelihoods. The conflict—coupled with climate-related disasters and water shortages—has further exacerbated forced migration and displacement. There is also the risk that armed groups can exploit climate change pressures by targeting crucial environmental infrastructure and resources. Moreover, the conflict has significantly weakened informal resolution mechanisms—worsened by patronage networks. It is imperative that the international community provides support to address pressing concerns such as food insecurity, water challenges and limited access to healthcare. Climate-resilient and sustainable development is an indispensable requirement for fostering lasting peace in Yemen.
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| 9. |
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| 10. |
- Kim, Kyungmee, et al.
(author)
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Community Mobilization for Energy Security : A Case Study of the Danu Self-Administered Zone in Myanmar
- 2021
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Reports (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Myanmar’s energy planning is highly centralized. The state-managed energy infrastructure has struggled to meet growing demand for electricity and connect populations living in remote regions to the national electricity grid. The 2021 military coup has further undermined the centralized energy system, and the shortcomings call for alternative solutions to achieve energy security. Decentralized renewable energy systems, such as small-scale community hydropower and solar power schemes, have been an affordable way for communities to gain access to energy in many parts of the country and community-based approaches to energy are growing in importance. This paper highlights ongoing exclusions in energy access and evaluates the limitations of centralized electrification, before turning to examine the viability of decentralized offgrid energy options in Myanmar. We examine decentralized community-based pico- and micro-hydropower schemes developed and managed locally with the support of a local civil society organization (CSO) in the Danu Self-Administrated Zone to illustrate that community-managed energy systems fill a critical gap in electricity provision left by the government. The study finds that local communities’ lack of technical capacity and financial resources has been partly mitigated by the support given by the CSO which harbors a network of technical experts and development cooperation partners. An intimate relationship between the CSO and local communities is a key factor in their successful collaboration. Myanmar’s current political, economic, and humanitarian crises, however, is putting the power of community collective action to the test. International partners have an important role to play in ensuring energy access and security for people in Myanmar by strengthening their support for decentralized energy solutions under challenging postcoup contexts.
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