THE POSEIDON PRAIRIE Desertification, Environmental Stress, and the Euro-Mediterranean Space

This chapter assesses the implications of desertification in the Euro-Mediterranean space. In doing so, assessments of environmental and human security aspects significant to this geographic space help broaden the geostrategic significance of the region. The chapter argues that there are crucial differences between threats and vulnerabilities, distinguishes between the two, and suggests relevant policy applications for Euro-Mediterranean states. Some of these vulnerability aspects, including desertification, present long-term challenges to stability and security. The analysis includes a review of theoretical models that have been proposed in research. Specifically, this review addresses what have been argued as ‘‘trigger mechanisms’’ that can unleash violent conflict, create socio-economic disparity, and induce long-term insecurity. In lieu of an overarching conclusion, a number of suggestions are included for both future research and possible policy solutions.