A review of the multifaceted relationship between drought dynamics and conflicts

Abstract

AbstractDrought dynamics can be significantly influenced by conflicts, while drought itself has the potential to generate or exacerbate conflicts between parties involved. Interest in researching the dynamics of drought amidst conflict has significantly grown within academic circles, even though the existing literature remains fragmented regarding definitions, measurements, and the variables that influence this concept. Consequently, there is a necessity to consolidate existing knowledge in these areas and organize them systematically to establish a solid foundation in this field. I implemented a meticulously organized systematic review approach with content analysis. This study provides (1) a comprehensive summary of the literature on drought dynamics under the pressures of conflict spanning from January 2014 to May 2024, encompassing 46 articles, and (2) particular emphasis, within that summary, on mainly developing countries. I identify and analyse the conceptual, empirical and methodological approaches utilized in the examined literature, then integrate the overarching findings of the research. The primary research inquiries centre around uncovering significant findings and patterns from previous reviews, examining the geographical regions most explored in the context of drought‐conflict interactions, discerning similarities and disparities in findings across regions, and pinpointing deficiencies in the literature alongside areas necessitating additional exploration or theoretical advancement. A significant proportion of authors attribute drought primarily to climate change rather than human activities, while most scholars perceive drought as a catalyst for conflict rather than the reverse. Many researchers opt to utilize the terms ‘Drought’ and ‘Conflict’ in their studies over alternative options. The majority of studies focus on specific countries, with a noticeable increase in publications over recent years, particularly in the last 4 years. However, there remains a gap in geographical studies, with several countries receiving relatively fewer research endeavours.