Water war

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A water war describes an armed conflict motivated around the use or possession of water resources within a state’s boundary or between two different states.

The only reported example of an actual inter-state conflict over water is the one between the Sumerian states of Lagash and Umma, taking place between 2500 and 2350 B.C.[1] As a dispute over water grows slowly over time it is difficult to attribute the cause of a conflict to water resources alone. But water scarcity may cause political tensions to arise; this is referred to as water stress. Water stress on its turn can lead to conflicts at local and regional levels.[2]

[edit] Future Water Wars

An armed conflict may be triggered between India and China by the Yarlung Tsangpo Hydroelectric and Water Diversion Project. It is expected that the construction of a dam would divert large amounts of the waters of the river Brahmaputra as known in India or Yalu Tsangpo as known in China away from India's territory.[3] The water would flow through the Shuotian Canal to reach cities in the north of China.[4]

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ Rasler, Karen A. and W. R. Thompson. “Contested Territory, Strategic Rivalries, and Conflict Escalation.” International Studies Quarterly. 50. 1. (2006): 145-168.
  2. ^ Wolf, Aaron T. “Water and Human Security.” Journal of Contemporary Water Research and Education. 118. (2001): 29
  3. ^ future water war with India|UPI Asia Online|May 13, 2008
  4. ^ | Controversial Plan to Tap Tibetan Waters|Southern Weekend|published:August 8, 2006|accessed: Mai 13, 2008