How War Games Can Help South Asia Respond to Climate Change

Mar 27, 2018 | Tariq Waseem Ghazi and Rachel Fleishman
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Over the past few weeks, this year’s iteration of a major U.S.-led multinational military exercise, the Pacific Partnership, has been playing out, and it will continue its engagements out to June across the Asia-Pacific, including in South and Southeast Asia. At the center of Pacific Partnership is the hospital ship USNS Mercy, with an international team of civilian and military specialists in humanitarian assistance and disaster response. Its mission is to build response capacity in one of the most disaster-prone regions of the world. Apart from recognizing the significance of this ongoing U.S. led engagement, South Asian nations should also attempt to initiate a similar joint exercise as well. Why? With today’s divisive politics, nations struggle to predict, prevent, and prepare for disasters. Collaboration increases the likelihood of successful planning and response – and strengthens the foundation for peace in the region.