Sustaining Security: How Natural Resources Influence National Security

In the 21st century, the security of nations will depend increasingly on the security of natural resources, or “natural security.”  Countries around the world rely on the availability of potable water, arable land, fish stocks, biodiversity, energy, minerals and other renewable and nonrenewable resources to meet the rising needs and expectations of a growing world population. Yet the availability of these resources is by no means assured.  This report - authored by  Christine Parthemore and Will Rogers - points to Afghanistan, Pakistan, Somalia, Mexico and Yemen as examples of how natural security challenges are directly linked to internal stability, regional dynamics and U.S. security and foreign policy interests.

The full report is available from the Center for a New America Security website.