Leiden University Student Repository

Hachhouch, Layla (2020)

The Impact of Water Scarcity on Civilian Victimization by Rebel Groups

Bachelor thesis | Politicologie (BSc)

This research studies the impact of water scarcity on the occurrence of civilian victimization. Water scarcity has been understudied in research on natural resource and political violence. This study will assess the current literature on civilian victimization by rebel groups and the role of water scarcity to contribute to the academic debate. According to the literature on rebel capability, I argue that civilian victimization is dependent on the relative capability of rebel groups. The hypothesis is examined with statistical analysis using data from a total of 147 first administrative districts in Africa. The results show a negative but insignificant relationship between access to water and civilian victimization. Civilian victimization is less likely to occur in water scarce regions. The implications of this research suggest that the impact of water scarcity on political violence should be further examined with extensive and conclusive data.

Civilian victimization

rebel groups

capability

water scarcity

Author

Hachhouch, Layla

Faculty

Faculty of Social & Behavioural Sciences

Specialisation

International relations and organisations

Supervisors

Dr. Rezaeedaryakenari

ECTS Credits

20

Language

en