With the cold war over, more global conflicts are being spurred by a scramble for natural resources rather than by geopolitics, and poor countries rich in mineral deposits are the new focal point.

The author argues that the global resource base is shifting from geology (oil & metal) to biology (genes). He envisions that "Conflicts may arise between gene-rich, technology-poor countries that control the basic raw materials of a biobased economy and gene-poor, technology-rich nations that control the production methods" and that "homeland defense will have to consider heartland defense, as agricultural fields will assume the same significance as oil fields."

The author argues that national security analysts should pay attention to global food policy as famines could spark wider resource conflicts.

A feature article from the Village Voice on the dangers of privatizing water resources.