Due to climate change and rising temperatures, the world is more often facing extreme weather conditions like drought. Such conditions of water scarcity especially cause problems in countries...Show moreDue to climate change and rising temperatures, the world is more often facing extreme weather conditions like drought. Such conditions of water scarcity especially cause problems in countries dependent on agriculture, where failed harvests can cause negative income shocks and grievance development, influencing conflict. Focusing on the relationship between conflict intensity and water scarcity, this research explores the case of the Syrian civil war from 2011-2017, finding that over-time differences in temperatures can explain monthly variations in number of deaths. This research thereby confirms the fact that rising temperatures can lead to more intense conflict and concludes with brief discussion of policy recommendations to tackle drought-related conflict.Show less
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...Show moreThis 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.Show less
Egypt is a water scarce country with declining water resources but, at the same time, a rapidly growing population rate. These two diverging trends are especially noticeable in the agricultural,...Show moreEgypt is a water scarce country with declining water resources but, at the same time, a rapidly growing population rate. These two diverging trends are especially noticeable in the agricultural, industrial and real estate sector where water as a production factor is needed to satisfy increasing demands. The water needs of these three sectors were changed in the 1990s when Egypt introduced a set of neoliberal reforms as a requirement for deeper integration into the international political economy. In this context, water became a significant development asset and the three sectors in question turned into the biggest water consumers. Several water amelioration policies and programs have therefore been implemented in order to guarantee water availability, accessibility and sustainability. The thesis focuses on these water amelioration programs in the three sectors and uses a dual theoretical approach for outlining water management practices.Show less
