📋 Group Discussion (GD) Analysis Guide: The Impact of Resource Scarcity on International Relations and Conflicts

🌐 Introduction to Resource Scarcity in International Relations

📖 Opening Context

“Resource scarcity, including water, energy, and essential minerals, has emerged as a critical factor influencing global stability and shaping the dynamics of international relations.”

📜 Background

Resource scarcity is deeply intertwined with geopolitical strategies. With increasing global population and climate challenges, nations face mounting pressures to secure vital resources, leading to alliances, rivalries, and conflicts. Historical examples include disputes over oil in the Middle East and water-sharing issues along the Nile River.

📊 Quick Facts and Key Statistics

• 💧 Global Freshwater Availability: Only 2.5% of the earth’s water is freshwater, with less than 1% accessible for use. Scarcity affects over 2 billion people worldwide.
• ⚡ Energy Resources: Fossil fuels constitute 80% of global energy consumption, with reserves concentrated in a few nations, driving geopolitical tensions.
• 🛠️ Rare Earth Elements: China controls 60% of the global rare earth mining and 85% of its refining, influencing global technology supply chains.

🤝 Stakeholders and Their Roles

• 🏛️ Nation-States: Pursue resource security through treaties, trade agreements, or military strategies.
• 🌐 International Organizations (e.g., UN, WTO): Mediate disputes and promote equitable resource-sharing mechanisms.
• 💼 Private Corporations: Influence access to resources through technological innovations and mining investments.
• 🌍 Civil Society: Advocates for sustainable use and equitable distribution.

🏆 Achievements and Challenges

✨ Achievements

• 🔋 Renewable Energy Advances: Countries like Germany and Denmark have showcased successful energy transitions, reducing dependency on fossil fuels.
• 🌊 Water Sharing Treaties: The Indus Water Treaty between India and Pakistan demonstrates peaceful conflict resolution over shared resources.

⚠️ Challenges

• 🌍 Geopolitical Tensions: Competing claims in the South China Sea over potential oil and gas reserves.
• 🔥 Climate Impact: Prolonged droughts in Sub-Saharan Africa exacerbating food and water crises.

💡 Structured Arguments for Discussion

• ✅ Supporting Stance: “Resource scarcity compels nations to innovate, fostering technological breakthroughs in renewable energy and sustainable agriculture.”
• 🛑 Opposing Stance: “Resource scarcity intensifies global conflicts, leading to military confrontations and humanitarian crises.”
• ⚖️ Balanced Perspective: “While resource scarcity drives conflict, collaborative frameworks like the Paris Agreement show potential for cooperative solutions.”

🎯 Effective Discussion Approaches

• 📊 Cite a key statistic: “By 2040, the demand for water is projected to exceed supply by 50%, raising global security concerns.”
• 📚 Use a historical example: “The oil embargo of the 1970s illustrates how resource scarcity can destabilize international economies.”

⚙️ Counter-Argument Handling

• 🛠️ Highlight alternative resolutions such as renewable energy adoption or international mediation examples.

🧠 Strategic Analysis of Strengths and Weaknesses

🏫 Connecting with B-School Applications

📚 Real-World Applications

• 🌍 Projects on sustainability or strategies for global resource management.

🎓 Sample Interview Questions

• ❓ “How can international collaborations address resource scarcity challenges?”
• ❓ “What role do private corporations play in managing global resources?”