Security and political instability: a nexus between food, water, health and climate change?

Abstract

This article seeks to analyze the relationship between political instability, security and climate change. In it, we seek to identify climatic and political, social and economic factors that contribute to scrutinize situations of political and social instability. In light of this analysis, we come to the conclusion that climate change is not in itself a source of conflict, but instead rather relates to pre-existing factors of instability, and may thus lead to armed conflicts in terms of a multi-causal logic. This study adopts a qualitative, multi-disciplinary approach, combining theoretical analysis and case studies, bent on examining the intersection of climate change, security, and instability. It draws on secondary data sources, including academic literature, policy reports, and international security assessments, to identify patterns of environmental stress and their socio-political consequences. This approach offers us a comprehensive understanding of the multi-layered relationship between climate change and political instability.