That uncertainty is problematic for businesses and can cause political strife, but some states and regions are taking proactive steps to avoid water trouble and will therefore be more reliable places to do business.

FORBES: Water Risk Threatens Businesses, National Security

Rather than stop doing business with Chavez, as a reliable U.S. defense partner would be expected to do, EADS immediately tried to circumvent ITAR by stripping out the American-made equipment and trying to find non-U.S. replacements.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: DoD in Catch-22 when dealing with EADS