Can water start a fire?: an analysis of international water conflicts

Water is a vital resource that is needed for the survival of a state. Few countries believe they have enough palatable water at their disposal. Water has already been a contributor, if not the main cause, of wars in the past.

This dissertation explores the relationship between the need for water and conflict. It is the first true quantitative study testing the correlation between water and conflict on a global scale instead of regional. By examining the relationship, via a macro-analysis on international water systems, and measuring the effects of state reliance, regime formation, and military strength on the relationship between those states sharing the water, the level of influence water has on state relations is measured.