Ecological Consequences of the Second Indochina War

The Second Indochina War has introduced into the military lexicon the new word 'ecocide'. This war was by no means the first in which ecological disruption has occurred. But it stands out in modern history as a war in which international anti-environmental actions were a major component of the strategy and tactics of one of the adversaries.

This military assault on the natural resources of Indochina comes at a time in human history when man has begun to realize the awesome dimensions of his routine demands on and abuses of nature. It comes at a time when the world is awakening to a recognition of the inextricable interdependence of man and nature, to man's obligate dependence for his well-being and very survival upon a finite and increasingly misused globe.

As a result it becomes crucial to examine the Second Indochina War as a case study of modern environmental abuse. This book describes the various means of environmental assault used in Indochina, including high-explosive munitions, anti-plant chemicals, mechanized landclearing and other techniques; it examines the impact of these techniques on the environment; and, finally, it discusses the overall implications of such environmental warfare.