Introduction
Water, oil, and gas have historically been important resources for every country in the world. They provide workability and living conditions for the population. Water can be used for various purposes, but the main one is drinking. At the same time, the percentage of drinking water on earth is limited by the existing resources, which are unevenly distributed around the planet. The lack of water in a certain area can affect the political and economic position of the country, while the surplus water can become a strategic advantage in the global political arena, as it is a basic human need.
Main body
Drinking is the primary use of water among humans, animals, and other living creatures on the planet. Water is important for both current and future generations for the proper living conditions, including drinking and washing (Anderson 2). At the same time, this is not the only application, as there are others. For example, water is used for transport movements. By the sea, lake, ocean, or river, people can travel on various water transport, transfer products, equipment, and much more. For these purposes, ports are being built where ships can dock. The presence of reservoirs is a major advantage for those countries in which they allow to travel or are consumed for drinking (Daniels and Mitchell 293). Additionally, ports can become a point of development of wars, which affects political relations. Lands with access to a water junction are of particular importance and can be viewed as a threat or potential for conquest.
Conclusion
In conclusion, water is a vital resource, and that is why it influences political relations between countries. As with other economic benefits, water can be either at the level that meets the needs of the population, or in shortage, or, on the contrary, in excess. This affects the standard of living in various countries and cities as well as political compels for water bodies as strategic resources.
Works Cited
Anderson, Ewan W. “Water: the next strategic resource.” The Politics of Scarcity. Routledge, 2019. 1-21.
Daniels, Kelly, and Sara McLaughlin Mitchell. “Bones of democratic contention: Maritime disputes.” International Area Studies Review 20.4 (2017): 293-310.