Water Insecurity, Conflict and Crime: The Role of Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience Measures in Afghanistan

Water is on the frontline of the climate crisis. Floods, droughts, mismanagement, pollution, and access are salient features of this global challenge. However, climate change remains an underrepresented factor when considering conflict and crime. According to Swain (2016:1313) 'decisions about the restoration, management and protection of water resources have vital consequences for short-term

stability, longer-term sustainable development and successful post-conflict peacebuilding'. When the climate-conflict nexus is considered, it is often relegated to the global South, and then to the poorest citizens and their potential for climate-related conflict and crime (Bonds, 2016). This project aims to

explore a focused local case study in Afghanistan within the dynamics of the wider global context, which will offer original insight into impacts that are largely overlooked in the global North. Questions about different modes of violence will be considered in relation to both the framework of international

law and the often-contested definitions of water conflict and crime. The primary aim and purpose of this research would be to explore the potential role of climate change adaptation and resilience measures as tools for dispute resolution and restorative justice in response to incidents of water conflict and crime.