STWR - Share The World's Resources

The number of people forcibly uprooted by conflict and persecution worldwide stood at 42 million at the end of 2008 amid a sharp slowdown in repatriation and more prolonged conflicts resulting in protracted displacement.

Despite a deepening economic crisis, global military expenditure increased markedly in 2008, rising to some $1.5 trillion. US military spending comprised nearly half of this total, easily outstripping its nearest rival China, according to a report by SIPRI.

Governments often add a veneer of high principle to aggressive military campaigns. But can the rhetoric of human rights justify wars waged by powerful nations to universalise their political, economic and cultural paradigms? By Costas Douzinas. 

Commentators have referred to water as "blue gold", implying that water will be the object of the next resource wars. A peaceful future can only be secured if governments agree to share water resources, argues Tara Lohan.

Since 1990 at least 18 violent conflicts have been fuelled by exploitation and competition over natural resources. The United Nations should integrate strategies of sharing natural resources to ensure post-conflict peace and security, according to a new report by the UNEP.

2008 has seen the security situation in Iraq improve, while Afghanistan and Pakistan still pose challenges. However, with a more internationally engaged US administration, the coming year provides an opportunity and may even be a positive tipping point towards global stability and emancipation, writes Paul Rogers.