Nikola Paunovski 21200340 POL-ŠPID

Proposal for a seminary paper topic – Defense Geography

Title: The Mississippi river: A silent Threat to US security

Introduction:
One of the most significant and strategically significant waterways in the US is the
Mississippi River. It serves as a vital route for trade, business, and economic activity, linking
the nation's interior to the Gulf of Mexico. Control of the Mississippi River, however, also
poses a serious threat to US security. This seminar paper will examine the Mississippi River's
strategic significance and potential use against the United States. This essay will focus on
how controlling the river can effectively divide the continental United States in half and pave
the way for total control of the nation.

Body:
The significance of the Mississippi River as a commercial and economic artery will
be covered in the first section of this seminary paper. The Mississippi River system sustains
almost 400,000 jobs and contributes $200 billion to the US economy each year, according to
a report by the National Waterways Foundation. The historical importance of the Mississippi
River in the growth of the United States, from the early days of westward expansion to the
contemporary era of global commerce, will also be covered in this section.

The military importance of the Mississippi River will be the subject of the second
section. The various risks that could result from foreign countries dominating the river are
examined in this section. For instance, if a hostile nation takes control of the Mississippi
River, it may quickly cut off a crucial route for trade and transportation, resulting in serious
economic hardship and perhaps even famine. The strategic significance of the river for
maintaining national security, specifically in relation to military operations and supplies, will
also be covered in this section.

The third section will look at how controlling the Mississippi River can divide the
USA into two halves. The Mississippi River offers a direct water path connecting the Great
Lakes region and the Gulf of Mexico for a large portion of its length. As a result, it serves as
Nikola Paunovski 21200340 POL-ŠPID

a vital transit route that links the country's east and west. A foreign force might essentially
shut off the eastern and western sides of the United States if it took control of the Mississippi
River, paving the way for total control of the nation.

The possibility of US countermeasures to reduce the risk of an adversary obtaining

control of the Mississippi River will be covered in the fourth section. This section will look at
different military and diplomatic options for defending the important waterway, as well as
any possible economic and political repercussions.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this seminar paper will have looked at the Mississippi River's strategic
significance and how it can seriously jeopardize US security. This thesis will have proven the
crucial role that the Mississippi River plays in the security of the United States through an
analysis of its historical significance, economic and military relevance, and possible
vulnerability to hostile nations. To effectively safeguard this crucial national treasure,
lawmakers and military leaders must devise effective policies.

*Potential outline:
 Introduction:
o Backgroound of the Mississippi river
o Significance of the Mississippi river
o Purpose of the paper
 Economic significance of the Mississippi river
o Agricultural production
o Transportation of goods and services
o Employment opportunities
o Tourism
 The strategic significance of the Mississippi river
o Strategic location for defense and military operations
o Key access point for major U.S. cities and industrial centers
o The role of the Mississippi River in U.S. trade and global competitiveness
 Security Risks Associated with Control over the Mississippi River
Nikola Paunovski 21200340 POL-ŠPID

o Terrorism and criminal activity

o Cybersecurity threats to critical infrastructure
o Environmental threats and natural disasters
o Interstate water disputes
 Managing Security Risks and Challenges
o The role of government agencies in protecting the Mississippi River
o The importance of inter-agency collaboration and public-private partnerships
o Improving emergency preparedness and response capabilities
o Developing new technologies for environmental monitoring and threat
detection
 Conclusion
o The Mississippi River is a vital resource for the United States, but it also poses
significant security challenges.
o Effective management and protection of the river are crucial to safeguarding
U.S. national security.