White Gold and Troubled Waters in Southern Africa: Hydropolitical Policy's Effect on Peace in Lesotho and South Africa

Abstract

Over recent decades, scholars have debated the connection between resource scarcity and conflict. Does resource scarcity produce conflict, or does scarcity demand development and international cooperation? Can environmental stress be an occasion for peace, or does international cooperation during an environmental crisis indicate local or intrastate conflicts? Toward responding to these questions, this analysis examines the effects the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) and shows that while the LHWP helped to put a stop to international conflicts between Lesotho and South Africa, the Project's consequences (ecocide, displacement, and unequal distribution of basic resources) have intensified tensions within these states.Related Articles Bakenova, Saule. 2008. “.” Politics & Policy 36 (): 676–719. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2008.00125.x/abstract Moreno‐Jaimes, Carlos. 2011. “.” Politics & Policy 39 (): 1021–1052. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2011.00328.x/abstract Elliott‐Teague, Ginger. 2011. “.” Politics & Policy 39 (): 835–861. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2011.00318.x/abstract Related Media . 2013. “.” YouTube Video, May 27. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKj7G5QR0To Greyl, Lucie. 2015. “.” Ejolt/Environmental Justice Atlas. http://ejatlas.org/conflict/lesotho‐highlands‐water‐project‐lesotho . 2015. “.” http://www.lhda.org . 2011. “.” http://www.worldbank.org/en/news/video/2011/03/15/Abundant‐Waters‐Harnessing‐Water‐Lesotho‐Future