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

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.