Syria, Palestine, and Jordan: Case Studies in Water Scarcity, Conflict, and Migration

Abstract

The water scarcity, conflict, and migration nexus are parts of a growing body of research attempting to link environmental stressors and the subsequent movement of people to safer and more secure areas. Although the nexus continues to be scrutinized for validity among researchers, its intention to compare environmental factors to its effects on geopolitical problems will nonetheless become increasingly relevant as climate change alters economies and landscapes, and forces people to change their way of life. This paper examines three case studies, Syria, Palestine, and Jordan to provide insight into how each state has evolved amid growing water scarcity and how respective governments have responded. Due to the importance of effective water management strategies in relation to human migration, the study seeks to encourage the inclusion of environmental refugees in international refugee policy.