Resource scarcities and inequalities in distribution can increase the risk of conflict, while conflict itself exacerbates poverty. Underdevelopment is also closely linked to weak governance, making development challenges harder to overcome.

This report gives a broad overview of the development and environmental challenges to human security, providing context in which peace and international security challenges may be better understood.

The content of this report is informed by the discussions at IPI’s Opening Symposium for the Task Forces on Strengthening Multilateral Security Capacity, addressing the topic of “Development, Resources, and Environment: Defining Challenges for the Security Agenda.”

In recognition of the importance of strengthening multilateral security capacity to ensure global stability and international cooperation, the IPI Blue Papers series presents concrete ideas for action for addressing some of the most pertinent security challenges facing the world today.