Question

Find out about such a conflict in the international context. Discuss your findings in the class.

Answer 1

An international example of a conflict over natural resources is the dispute among Ethiopia, Egypt, and Sudan over the Nile River. Ethiopia constructed the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) to produce electricity, while Egypt and Sudan, being downstream countries, are worried that the dam may reduce their access to water. Egypt depends heavily on the Nile for its water needs. Despite several rounds of talks and negotiations, the countries have not reached a permanent agreement. This shows how shared natural resources like rivers can create conflicts between countries.