The nexus between climate change and political stability: Security challenges to Pakistan

Abstract

Climate change has emerged as a significant security concern for nation-states, shifting the traditional understanding of security beyond military threats and territorial integrity. Taking into consideration the severity of climate change on various aspects of human life, including social, economic, and political dimensions, extensive literature has regarded it as a non-traditional security threat. This study is based on Norman Myer’s environmental security framework in order to find the implications of climate change on Pakistan’s political stability. To this end the data was acquired through semi-structured interviews by using qualitative study design. At the end the study found that while numerous literature documented climate change a severe security problem. However, it has been politically overlooked in Pakistan. Moreover, significant finding of the study highlights the linked hazards between water and food scarcity. With the potential to intensify social discontent, driving migration, and even straining governance.