Ecological disruption as security risk

Ecological breakdown — from fisheries collapse and biodiversity loss to environmental crime — can cascade into political instability, military standoffs, and weakened state capacity. The article highlights a new 27‑case literature review and expert interviews arguing security planners routinely undercount these actor‑less but potent risks. — Framing ecology as a direct driver of national security shifts responsibility from conservationists to intelligence, defense, and foreign‑policy institutions and could reshape budgeting and preparedness.