A threat to U.S. national security

Full Answer Section The threat of failed states and ungoverned spaces is only likely to grow in the coming years as the impacts of climate change become more severe. This is a serious challenge that the United States and the international community must work together to address. Here are some specific ways in which climate change can lead to failed states and ungoverned spaces:

• Climate-related disasters can displace people and disrupt livelihoods, leading to social unrest and instability. For example, the Syrian Civil War was triggered, in part, by a severe drought that led to widespread food insecurity and displacement.
• Climate change can make it more difficult for governments to provide basic services, such as water, food, and security. This can lead to a loss of legitimacy and authority, which can make it more likely that a state will collapse.
• Climate change can create new opportunities for criminal groups and terrorist organizations. For example, ISIS was able to exploit the chaos and lawlessness in Iraq to seize control of large swaths of territory and establish a functioning proto-state.

The United States and the international community can take a number of steps to address the threat of failed states and ungoverned spaces:

• Provide financial assistance to vulnerable countries to help them adapt to the impacts of climate change. This can help to reduce the risk of social unrest and instability.
• Support efforts to strengthen the rule of law and good governance in vulnerable countries. This can help to build resilience and make it less likely that a state will collapse.
• Work to prevent and combat climate-related disasters. This includes providing early warning systems and disaster relief.
• Address the root causes of conflict, such as poverty, inequality, and political instability. This can help to reduce the risk of conflict in vulnerable countries.

The threat of failed states and ungoverned spaces is a serious challenge that the United States and the international community must work together to address. By taking the steps outlined above, we can help to reduce the risk of these threats and build a more secure world for all.

Sample Answer The prospect of failed states and "ungoverned spaces" resulting from the impacts of climate change is a serious threat to U.S. national security. In recent years, we have seen how climate change can lead to instability and conflict in vulnerable regions. For example, the Syrian Civil War was triggered, in part, by a severe drought that led to widespread food insecurity and displacement. Failed states and ungoverned spaces are breeding grounds for terrorism, transnational crime, and other threats to U.S. interests. They can also become safe havens for hostile actors, such as rogue states or terrorist groups. This can pose a direct threat to U.S. security, as well as to the security of our allies and partners. Recent history provides some context for addressing this question. For example, the rise of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) was enabled by the collapse of the Iraqi state in the wake of the U.S. invasion of Iraq. ISIS was able to take advantage of the chaos and lawlessness in Iraq to seize control of large swaths of territory and establish a functioning proto-state.