Strategy for the Successful Implementation of U.S. Southern Command's Environmental Security Supplement to USCINCSO Theater Engagement Plan

<p>Population growth globalization and conflict contribute to environmental degradation and resource scarcity. In turn scarcity and degradation may lead to conflict negatively affect quality of life and economic conditions degrade environmental security and destabilize state security. To address this problem the United States has economic political and military instruments of power (IOP) at their disposal to combat the environmental damage or its impact thereby improving environmental security. The difficulty is in determining the level and urgency of the threat and which combination of IOP is appropriate to apply to that threat. Of particular importance to this research is the military instrument of power specifically United States Southern Command's (USSOUTHCOM) role in United States/Latin American environmental security. In this paper I will argue that the best strategy is to engage in traditionally military functions. Specific actions should include: (1) creating an environment of peace and stability (2) assisting in natural disaster recovery (3) incorporating environmental conditions into intelligence summaries (4) using military specific assets (5) leading by example and (6) assembling and training a team to execute the strategy. I chose to employ two methodologies in conducting this research. First I completed a descriptive survey comprised of a review of pertinent literature. Second I conducted a Delphi Survey of experts in the fields of environmental security and/or Latin America. My analysis of the combination of these methodologies yielded the results--a strategy for USSOUTHCOM environmental security.</p><p>This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore you will see the original copyright references library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world) and other notations in the work.</p><p>This work is in the public domain in the United States of America and possibly other nations. Within the United States you may freely copy and distribute this work as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.</p><p>As a reproduction of a historical artifact this work may contain missing or blurred pages poor pictures errant marks etc. Scholars believe and we concur that this work is important enough to be preserved reproduced and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.</p>