Geopolitical competition and civil war are on the rise. At the same time, disasters like droughts, flooding, and hurricanes are becoming increasingly devastating, partly due to climate change and persistent poverty. How are these trends interacting and what lessons can we draw for more robust policies and interventions?

Dr. Tobias Ide, Senior Lecturer and Associate Professor at Murdoch University Perth, explores these questions in his new book, Catastrophes, Confrontations, and Constraints. Featuring more than 30 case studies spanning Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America, the book looks at the extent to which disasters facilitate the escalation or abatement of armed conflicts, including when and how disasters can offer opportunities for peacebuilding.

Remarks were given by Dr. Marwa Daoudy, Associate Professor of International Relations at Georgetown University, on Catastrophes, Confrontations, and Constraints and its implications for the climate, security, and development sectors.

Catastrophes, Confrontations, and Constraints: https://mitpress.mit.edu/9780262545556/catastrophes-confrontations-and-constraints/

Related International Security article: https://doi.org/10.1162/isec_a_00459

Dr. Ide's New Security Beat article: https://www.newsecuritybeat.org/2023/09/disasters-armed-conflict-zones-silver-linings-total-devastation/