The Rise of Belgium as a Multilateral Climate-Security Actor: Analysis of Evolving Climate and Security Policies (2009–2021)

Abstract

What conditions are necessary for countries to embrace the climate change-security nexus? Under which dynamics and at what scales? This chapter answers these questions by investigating the case of Belgium, as so far no systematic study of the position Belgium occupies in the climate and security nexus exists. In particular, it builds on the theoretical approach of this edited volume which highlights the different security perceptions in Belgium: ecological, human or national. It then presents the actions and responses of Belgium with regards to the climate-security nexus. It shows how security issues related to climate change first appeared in Belgium within its national climate policies, because of its national interest in climate vulnerability. Knowing the collective dimension of climate risks, Belgium progressively included climate change security issues in its international policies too, by promoting bilateral aid towards developing countries for climate change adaptation, especially towards traditional aid partners or fragile regions; and by embracing the climate-security nexus as a key element of its mandate at the United Nations Security Council, especially for conflict prevention. The chapter retraces these different steps by relying on first-hand sources, including official Belgian governmental communications and policy documents on climate and security between 2009 and early 2021.

Amandine Orsini, Université Saint - Louis – Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium; e-mail: amandine.orsini@usaintlouis.be.