Water and the Rise of Insurgencies in the “Arc of Instability”

Apr 12, 2017 | Azua (Zizhan) Luo
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Water scarcity has contributed to an “arc of instability” characterized by conflict and displacement that stretches from West Africa to the Middle East, said a panel of experts at the Wilson Center on March 1. Two authors from an upcoming compilation of case studies on water security and violent conflict by World Wildlife Fund gave overviews of challenges in Nigeria and Iran and recommendations for U.S. engagement.

The lack of good governance is a “striking commonality” across the arc, said Julia McQuaid, senior researcher and project director at the CNA Corporation. The failure of governments to address growing water scarcity, relieve drought conditions, and defuse communal tensions has contributed to a rise in insurgent groups and migration.