Ecology of War and Peace: Marginalising Slow and Structural Violence in International Law

The relationship between ecology and conflict is a complex and multifaceted issue that has been extensively studied by political scientists and economists. The book explores how international law silences and normalizes forms of structural and slow environmental violence, drawing upon environmental justice perspectives and other theoretical traditions.

Format: Hardback
Length: 312 pages
Publication date: 16 September 2021
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The intricate relationship between ecology and conflict has been a subject of extensive exploration by political scientists and economists. This body of literature has shed light on a wide range of topics, including the role of natural resource scarcity in fostering violent unrest and armed conflicts, the potential incentives of resource abundance for initiating and prolonging armed struggles, the challenges posed by dysfunctional resource management and environmental degradation to peacebuilding efforts, and the complex interplay between international law and the ecology of war and peace. While international law is frequently cited as a potential solution to the socio-environmental challenges faced by conflict-affected countries, the relationship between these two domains remains undertheorized.

Drawing upon environmental justice perspectives and other theoretical traditions, this book aims to unpack and problematize some of the assumptions that underpin the legal field. Through an analysis of the practices of international courts, the United Nations Security Council, and Truth Commissions, the book demonstrates how international law silences and even normalizes forms of structural and slow environmental violence.

The first chapter explores the historical roots of the relationship between ecology and conflict, tracing the ways in which environmental degradation and resource scarcity have been intertwined with political instability and armed conflicts. It highlights the role of colonialism, globalization, and corporate greed in perpetuating environmental injustice and inequality, which in turn contribute to the escalation of conflicts.

The second chapter examines the legal frameworks and institutions that are designed to address the socio-environmental challenges posed by conflict. It explores the role of international law in promoting environmental protection and sustainable development, as well as the limitations and gaps in these legal frameworks. The chapter also discusses the challenges of implementing international law in conflict-affected countries, including the lack of political will, the influence of powerful actors, and the resistance of local communities to environmental change.

The third chapter focuses on the practice of international courts and the United Nations Security Council in addressing environmental conflicts. It examines how these institutions have responded to cases of environmental degradation and human rights violations in conflict-affected regions, including the International Criminal Court's (ICC) investigations into the war in Darfur and the Security Council's sanctions against North Korea for its nuclear program. The chapter also explores the challenges of holding accountable individuals and corporations for environmental harm, including the lack of effective enforcement mechanisms and the political interests that often overshadow environmental concerns.

The fourth chapter examines the role of Truth Commissions in addressing environmental conflicts and promoting reconciliation. It highlights the experiences of Truth Commissions in countries such as South Africa, Colombia, and Sierra Leone, which have investigated and documented environmental harm and human rights violations during armed conflicts. The chapter explores how Truth Commissions can contribute to the healing of social and ecological wounds, as well as the challenges of establishing and sustaining these institutions in conflict-affected regions.

The final chapter offers a critical reflection on the relationship between ecology and conflict. It questions the dominant narratives that frame these two domains, including the notion that environmental degradation is a natural consequence of human activity and that conflicts are primarily driven by economic and political factors. The chapter argues that these narratives are insufficient to understand the complex and interconnected nature of environmental and social challenges, and that a more holistic approach is necessary to address these issues.

In conclusion, this book provides a comprehensive and interdisciplinary analysis of the relationship between ecology and conflict. It sheds light on the ways in which environmental degradation and resource scarcity contribute to armed conflicts, as well as the legal and institutional mechanisms that are designed to address these challenges. The book also highlights the role of environmental justice perspectives and other theoretical traditions in problematizing the assumptions that underlie the legal field and promoting a more sustainable and equitable approach to conflict resolution. By unpacking and problematizing some of the assumptions that underlie the legal field, this book aims to contribute to the ongoing debate about the role of international law in promoting peace and sustainability in conflict-affected regions.

Weight: 584g
Dimension: 236 x 159 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108837521