Rivers of Conflict: Water Shortages and the Next World War

Abstract “The wars of the future will be fought over water, not oil” -Ismail Serageldin.The quotes describe the true nature of water scarcity and Next world war.All human civilization had been settled around the rivers because of usefulness into the day to day activities. Water is always centres to the human activity, even trade and commerce developed around the rivers.Moreover,The present metropolitan cities of the world are evolved around the rivers or water .This research paper assesses the relevant scientific evidence with the help of a systematic literature review. Water is quiet important for economic development , ecological balance and human survival.But Due to increasing human population , water pollution and waste , climate change , water scarcity , Global warming, melting of glaciers , unsustainable use of water is emerging as major Global challenges . The paper tries to investigate potential hotspots on the planet earth for the next world war. Further it also tried to find out the geographical rivers where the water scarcity could lead to the armed conflicts in the Middle East , Africa , central Asia , South Asia , south east Asia. This research paper highlights the risk of war due to water scarcity , potential reason , past treaty, present laws , and proposed strategies for cooperation and Conflict resolution