Paul Benjamin

The concept of environmental security became important in U.S. foreign policy in the 1990s under administration of President Bill Clinton and Vice President Al Gore, says Paul Benjamin in the following viewpoint. However, Benjamin argues that such a focus on the environment is harmful for several reasons. It could lead to military solutions to environmental problems and to confusion over what civilian and military agencies of the government should do. In addition, he contends that American efforts to dictate environmental policies to other nations may actually increase the possibility of conflict between nations and may involve the United States in wars that would themselves do great harm to the environment. Benjamin is an independent foreign policy analyst. As you read, consider the following...