Abstract
Abstract : Natural resources are integral to societies, not only for their continued existence and growth, but also for income and influence globally. It is for this reason that poorly managed natural resources such as land, water, timber, minerals, metals and oil cause tension within and between countries. Natural resources can either exacerbate existing tensions or be the cause for new tensions as populations grow, environments are destroyed and competition for these resources intensifies. It is not surprising then that experts and governments alike expect natural resources to be significant drivers in an increasing number of disputes that would have domestic, regional and international consequences for peace and security. The primary purpose of this dissertation was to analyse the role of natural resources – oil, water and gas – in related international conflicts. In the case of oil, the two conflicts in the South and East China Seas were examined as a whole, and included in these two conflicts were China and Japan in the East China Sea conflict and China, Vietnam, Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, and Taiwan in the South China Sea. In the case of water, the international conflict between Egypt, Ethiopia, Sudan, South Sudan, Eritrea, Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo regarding the Nile River was examined. In the case of gas, the international conflict between the Republic of Cyprus, Turkey, the Occupied North/The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (only recognised by Turkey), along with Israel, Lebanon and Egypt was examined. The key findings of the study are that although these examined conflicts take place not only in different regions but also involve different natural resources, the similarities in all case studies are striking. Should tensions keep rising at the current rate, with the international community having little calming effect, any of the three conflicts has the potential to spark international wars (when conflict becomes weaponised and violent).
M.A. (Politics)