Science & Geopolitics of Water is a half-day course that provides a comprehensive overview of the only irreplaceable substance that can ensure our biological survival: water. It addresses topics such as regions and nations that are plentiful in water compared to those who have limited access, and the lengths the latter will go through to acquire it. The course then turns to consider the implications that certain advances in science and technology could have for countries in ensuring more and better water. Furthermore, what impact would such innovations have on the 44 landlocked nations that lack the access to vast oceans? How secure are their water sources? And who controls the headwaters of those sources? Science & Geopolitics of Water tackles all these questions and addresses even more topics surrounding the water debate. With regards to geopolitics, the course speculates about the potential for water to be used as a political stick to control other nations’ domestic and foreign policy.  As the one substance we cannot live without for more than three days, putting water’s control in the wrong hands could transform the existing power hierarchy, and significantly change the global landscape.

Course Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, participants will have a better understanding of:

• The value of water
• Technological advances that could purify mass quantities of water sources
• Countries that have plentiful water sources and those that have limited sources
• The power that water-rich countries have over water-deficient nations
• The implications associated with using water as a foreign policy tool

Who Should Attend: Intelligence and State Department professionals
Length of Course: Half (1/2) day
Instructor(s): Brigadier General Joseph Shaefer

Submit your registration request form here.