Ecology and Violence: The Environmental Dimensions of War

39 Pages Posted: 9 Jun 2004

See all articles by Cindy A. Schipani

Cindy A. Schipani

University of Michigan, Stephen M. Ross School of Business

Timothy L. Fort

University of Michigan at Ann Arbor - Stephen M. Ross School of Business ; Indiana University - Kelley School of Business - Department of Business Law

Date Written: May 2004

Abstract

Research reported by Thomas Homer-Dixon characterizes five social effects that can significantly increase the likelihood of violence in the emerging world, effects that are far deeper than can be controlled by security forces: (1) constrained agricultural production, often in ecologically marginal regions; (2) constrained economic productivity, mainly affecting people who are highly dependent on environmental resources and who are ecologically and economically marginal; (3) migration of these affected people in search of better lives; (4) greater segmentation of society, usually along existing ethnic cleavages; and (5) disruption of institutions, especially the state. These kinds of social effects create tensions that can erupt in violent expression. It is difficult to envision how additional security forces will solve the embedded social problems that link violence with economic, social, ethnic, and even religious frustrations.

This manuscript seeks to address these concerns. Part I elaborates ways in which these issues of violence manifest themselves in a globalized economy. Part II discusses the business implications of these tensions and suggests a way in which business can be a mediating actor to lessen these tensions. Part III concludes with a suggestion for a recharacterization of the corporation in a way to sensitize it to the ecological-mindedness necessary to address the potential issues of violence in societies. We propose sustainable peace as an aim to which businesses should orient their actions both for reasons of the good of avoiding the activities that contribute to the spilling of blood as well as for the good of sustainable economic enterprises, which are fostered by stable, peaceful relationships. Thus, business must do what it does best and address economic development, even in terms of the extraction of natural resources. But it must also be attentive to the rights of others, to the development of community and meaning, and to stop violence when it is likely. Given the dangers ecological stresses pose for the planet, it is hard to think of a more compelling reason to reorient business behavior.

Keywords: Environmental law, peace, social responsibility corporate governance

JEL Classification: K22, K23, M14

Suggested Citation

Schipani, Cindy A. and Fort, Timothy L., Ecology and Violence: The Environmental Dimensions of War (May 2004). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=555824 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.555824

Cindy A. Schipani (Contact Author)

University of Michigan, Stephen M. Ross School of Business ( email )

701 Tappan Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
United States
(734) 763-2257 (Phone)
(734) 763-2257 (Fax)

Timothy L. Fort

University of Michigan at Ann Arbor - Stephen M. Ross School of Business ( email )

701 Tappan Street
Ann Arbor, MI MI 48109-1234
United States

Indiana University - Kelley School of Business - Department of Business Law ( email )

Bloomington, IN 47405
United States

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