The Coming Storm is the most prominent work that addresses water as a key driver of future conflicts, highlighting the challenges associated with water scarcity.
The opening day of the fifth annual Conference on Water Security, organized by TRENDS Research & Advisory in Abu Dhabi, witnessed the launch of the Arabic version of the book – The Coming Storm: Why Water Will Shape the 21st Century – by His Excellency Sir Liam Fox, former British Secretary of State for Defence and a leading thinker on international strategic issues.
Several dignitaries and senior officials attended the conference, most notably H.E. Sheikh Khalifa bin Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan, Advisor at the Presidential Court and Chairman of the Wajib Volunteer Association, H.E. Ali Saeed Al-Neyadi, Chairman of the National Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Authority, and H.E. Abdullah bin Sultan Awad Al-Nuaimi, Minister of Justice.
The Coming Storm is the most prominent work that addresses water as a key driver of future conflicts. It highlights the challenges associated with water scarcity resulting from climate change, population growth, and urbanization, as well as the potential disputes that threaten global political and economic stability. The book offers a comprehensive analysis of possible solutions, integrating security, development, and environmental considerations, and serves as a timely call for practical action before the crisis escalates into a disaster.
In a panel discussion following the launch, Sir Liam Fox expressed his excitement about launching the book in conjunction with the fifth annual Conference on Water Security, stressing that the translation of his book into Arabic represents a significant opportunity to convey his thoughts and insights on the global water crisis to a broader audience in the region.
Sir Liam Fox presented a comprehensive overview of the book’s ideas, emphasizing that water will be the most crucial resource shaping the current Century, and that the challenges related to it go beyond environmental concerns to become national issues related to security, public health, and economic growth. “Water is the only irreplaceable resource. If the last Century witnessed conflicts over oil, the 21st Century may witness even more serious conflicts over water unless we act quickly to manage this vital resource,” he said.
He explained that the book is divided into four main sections: Water and the World, which addresses the fundamental importance of water as a basic resource for life and development, as well as the dimensions of its increasing scarcity due to population growth, climate change, and the potential for conflict. This section also discusses scenarios for potential conflicts over water between countries, especially in areas that share rivers and transboundary resources.
“Water and Health, which emphasizes that more than two billion people worldwide lack access to safe drinking water, a situation that impacts public health and portends serious humanitarian crises,” he said, adding that the Future of Water, which outlines visions for managing water resources through technology and innovation, calls for enhanced international cooperation to ensure sustainable water security.”
“We must treat water as a fundamental human right, like the right to education or health. Any failure to manage this resource will cost future generations,” he added. Sir Liam Fox emphasized that the book highlights the dangers and stresses the urgency of encouraging governments, research institutions, and the international community to take practical steps to secure water and ensure its sustainability. He praised the UAE and TRENDS’ initiatives in highlighting this global challenge.
Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS Research & Advisory, emphasized that the launch of this book falls within the framework of TRENDS’ commitment to enriching the Arab library with leading international publications and providing a scientific, knowledge-based reference that enhances awareness of water security, one of the most pressing challenges of both the present and the future.
Dr. Al-Ali explained that the book addresses one of the most pressing strategic issues, noting that water plays a pivotal role in shaping the future. He added that Sir Liam Fox is an influential figure in international politics and strategy, with extensive experience in geopolitical issues and a particular interest in water security and its impact on global stability. He has also held several senior positions, most notably serving as the British Secretary of State for Defence.
