During the 20th century, some nations went to war over control of oil in parts of the world. Many experts believe that “water is the petroleum [oil] of the next century.” Control of scarce water supplies has increased tensions between many countries. For example, the Indus River is very important to both India and Pakistan. It begins in India and flows into Pakistan. The two countries have been close to war for decades. India has built and made plans to build more dams along its portion of the Indus River. India insists that it will not use the dams to control the flow of water downstream into Pakistan. But, some Pakistani politicians have campaigned with slogans like “Water flows, or blood.” Both India and Pakistan have nuclear weapons.

Consider the tensions over water in India and Pakistan. Or research another example of your choice. Questions for discussion: How are these conflicts similar to the causes of the French and Indian War in 18th century North America? Do you think major world conflicts on the scale of the French and Indian War could erupt over water today? Why or why not?