The rise and fall of water policy entrepreneurs in an unequal world

Abstract

Highlights Policy entrepreneurs from the ‘North’ had undue influence over water policy in the ‘South’ in previous decades. Policy entrepreneurship in water must be centered in, rather than targeted at, the societies concerned. ‘Southern’ countries have gained greater autonomy over their water policies in a multi‐polar world and continue to offer opportunities for the international water industry. Political leaders, administrators, and civil society in the South must now take responsibility and accountability for the outcomes. It is now widely recognized that new infrastructure is essential to help mitigate and adapt to climate change and that hydropower is an energy transition ally not a climate change enemy.