Post-Conflict Environmental Health Risk: The Role Of Risk Analysis In Foreign Policy

Abstract

This study examines the valuable role that risk analysis and disasterresearch can play in redefining national security, particularly forpost-conflict construction and development policies. Drawing fromenvironmental risk assessment methodologies, this research highlightshow environmental changes before and during conflict can alter riskvulnerabilities, putting particular groups at greater risk andincreasing chances for future conflict. Violent conflicts haveincreasingly affected civilian populations, with armed groups oftenspecifically targeting coping mechanisms and preexisting networks ofsocial relations. Combined with changes to environmental conditions suchas contaminants, resource stocks or living conditions, long-termpopulation vulnerability may be created or worsened. Use of landmines,forced migration, destruction of housing and infrastructure, andpsychosocial effects of conflict can interact to increase adverse healthrisks, and it is necessary to identify those groups most at risk andprovide suitable policy responses. Case studies from the Balkans will beused to analyze how vulnerable populations are identified in conflictsituations, and what lessons this may draw for security andredevelopment policies at the international level.