Weaponizing Nature: For a political ecology of war. Beyond militarism, fossilism, and the cycle of violence

Abstract

The global scarcity of vital resources and the on set of extreme climate change are already beginning to produce a tidal wave of unrest, rebellion, competition, and conflict. Wars over contested land and water systems, global food riots sparked by soaring prices for life’s basics, mass migrations of war and climate refugees (with resulting anti-migrant violence), the breakdown of social order, and the collapse of states are future scenarios of collapse.

The prospect of future scarcities of vital natural resources, including energy, water, land, food, and critical minerals, guarantees social unrest, geopolitical friction, and war. Nature is weaponized when it is used by armed actors to do harm. Human beings are weaponized when used by armed actors to win a war.

Many of the resources that should go towards reducing the threats associated with climate change and equitable development are instead diverted towards foreign policy conflicts, war and destruction. An alternative agenda requires constraints on militarism and building a deeper democracy.

Speakers

Jonathan M. Feldman, Department of Economic History & InternationalRelations - Stockholm University

Dario Padovan, Sociologist, Department of Culture, Politics, and Society - Coordinator of the Unesco Chair in Sustainable Development -University of Turin

DavideGrasso, Sociologist, Department of Culture, Politics, and Society - University of Turin