Indispensable for mankind, access to clean, fresh water has been the backbone of many civilisations. Within this picture, it comes as no surprise that water relates to power as well, for whomever controls hydric resources controls society. But interestingly, geopolitics of water have not always been at the forefront of the security debate – despite the fact that lack of water and water related disasters might break societies, not to mention poor water management sparking conflict.

In light of this, Dr Michele Groppi, Defence Studies Department at King’s, the Water Academy Sustainable and Responsible Development, and ITSS Verona invite the public to a wider discussion on the importance of water security. Zooming in on international experiences, this joint event will also touch upon those innovative methods that are to ensure better access, protection, and management of hydric resources for tomorrow’s generations.

About the speakers:

Dr Michele Groppi is a lecturer in Challenges to the International Order in the Defence Studies Department (DSD), King's College London. Dedicated to the internationalisation of the study of security, Dr Groppi founded the International Team for the Study of Security (ITSS) Verona, a cultural association linked to the DSD, which explores multiple facets of international security, ranging from terrorism to climate change, great power competition to pandemics, energy security to the militarisation of space.

Professor Alessandro Leto is a university professor, journalist, and geographer. He founded and directs the International Research and Higher Education Centre “Water Academy for a Sustainable and Responsible Development”.

Dr Zeno Leoni is a lecturer in Defence Studies in the Defence Studies Department of King’s College London, based within the Joint Services and Staff College (JSCSC) at the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom, and Executive Director of ITSS Verona.

Dr Hillary Briffa is Senior Lecturer in National Security Studies in the Department of War Studies at King's College London and Academic Chair of the Climate Hub of Circle-U. She is an expert in the security and foreign policy of small states, and is on the editorial board of Small States & Territories Journal.

Professor Daanish Mustafa is a professor of Critical Geography in the Department of Geography at King's College London. His research interests include water resources geography, environmental hazards, development, and critical geographies of violence and terror.

Professor Mark Mulligan is a professor of Physical and Environmental Geography in the Department of Geography at King's College London. His research interests include climate, hydrology, and vegetation processes and dynamics, and their interactions with each other and with human activity in Mediterranean and tropical humid environments.

Dr Vinicius de Carvalho is a reader in Brazilian and Latin American Studies and the Circle U. Academic Chair Programme Coordinator. He has played an active role in contributing to the field of Brazilian studies, founding and editing Brasiliana – Journal for Brazilian Studies.

This is a joint event hosted by the Defence Studies Department in partnership with the Water Academy SRD and ITSS Verona.