Water Diplomacy Research Articles

Water diplomacy in the pursuit of water security: A multilevel approach

Water diplomacy in the pursuit of water security: A multilevel approach

EU water diplomacy: A tool to strengthen the EU's soft power on environmental governance

AbstractThis article analyses the role of the European Union (EU) as a global governance actor in a multipolar and fragmented world. It focuses on the case of European Union water diplomacy, defined as the diplomatic and strategic use of water cooperation to promote peace, security, and sustainable development. The article argues that European Union water diplomacy is a tool to enhance the EU's soft power and influence in global environmental governance. Through an analysis of the European Union's main initiatives in this field, the article illustrates how the EU seeks to build alliances with other actors, promote multilateralism and the principles of international law, and support the participation of civil society and local communities. It concludes that European Union water diplomacy is an example of EU normative and transformative leadership that can contribute to the consolidation of a more just and sustainable international order.

Waters of Contention: The GERD and Its Impact on Nile Basin Cooperation and Conflict

The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the Nile River has become a focal point in the fields of water diplomacy, economics, and environmental considerations in the Nile Basin. Announced during the Arab Spring in 2011, the GERD aims to address Ethiopia’s significant energy shortfall and foster regional economic growth by potentially doubling the country’s electricity output. However, this ambition has heightened tensions with downstream countries, especially Egypt and Sudan, which rely heavily on the Nile for their water needs. This paper examines the ongoing conflict surrounding the GERD, focusing on the deadlock situation despite considerable scholarly attention to its economic, political, and environmental dimensions. The analysis presented in this paper reveals the roots of contention by analyzing past treaties and the present negotiation status, illustrating the complex interplay between development goals, environmental sustainability, and regional water security. The paper advocates for a revised legal framework that moves beyond past agreements towards a more inclusive, cooperative management strategy for the Nile’s waters. It proposes the development of a new treaty between Egypt, Ethiopia, and Sudan, grounded in their 2015 Declaration of Principles agreement and inspired by successful international dispute resolutions. It also discusses the potential of neutral third-party interventions to facilitate unbiased negotiations grounded in the Graph Model for Conflict Resolution, emphasizing the importance of equitable and sustainable water governance. In essence, this research calls for a collaborative approach to resolve the GERD conflict, emphasizing the need for agreements that harmonize developmental ambitions with the water security of the Nile Basin nations. .

Gendered Practices in Transboundary Water Negotiations

Abstract This paper analyzes how practices in water diplomacy, and in particular in international water negotiations, are gendered and with what effects. We conduct a comparative analysis of three intergovernmental decision-making forums on international rivers: the Nile Technical Advisory Committee, the Chu-Talas Water Commission, and the International Commission for the Protection of the Rhine. These three cases demonstrate how gender is relational and creates situations in which gendered norms and values are strengthened, challenged, and changed, and sometimes used strategically to gain more power. In addition, two specific dynamics were observed: first, aligning with gendered stereotypes, confrontational practices in water negotiations are perceived as masculine and cooperative ones as feminine. Second, women’s participation in negotiations leads to both male and female negotiators adapting their behavior, resulting in a tendency towards less openly confrontational dynamics in more gender-balanced settings.

Water‐IQ matters as water conflicts mount

AbstractWater crises fuel conflicts that confound efforts to solve the underlying water crises. Water diplomacy is more effective at defusing such conflicts when the parties involved share at least a common understanding of the water involved. We argue that basic, but still up to date knowledge of where water is and how it moves is so important for finding common ground in water conflicts that this knowledge deserves a name of its own—the Water Intelligence Quotient or Water‐IQ. Science has advanced, and what people learn about the water cycle needs to reflect that. Two keystones of Water‐IQ are awareness of how profoundly people have influenced the water cycle and the atmospheric teleconnections that move water between geographic regions. Given the importance of evidence‐based knowledge of the water cycle when trying to overcome water conflicts and seek a basis for water cooperation, Water‐IQ knowledge needs to be spread widely.This article is categorized under: Human Water > Water Governance Water and Life > Conservation, Management, and Awareness Human Water > Water as Imagined and Represented

Новый этап в решении проблем трансграничных рек Центральной Азии (2016–2023 гг.)

The article constitutes a comprehensive analysis of diplomatic efforts undertaken from 2016 to 2023, aimed at resolving transboundary water resource issues in Central Asia. The article delves into attempts to address this issue, commencing from the period immediately following the dissolution of the USSR, while also scrutinizing potential reasons for unsuccessful endeavors. In the process of dissecting the reasons behind these failures, authors identify factors that may have complicated interstate relations in this sphere. Additionally, significant attention is paid to analyzing the current state of water resources and international relations within the region. To conduct a detailed and systemic analysis of the relationships among the Central Asian states, authors employ a retrospective method, examining the initial attempts at conflict resolution. The method offers a deeper understanding of the factors and events that have influenced the current state of water relations in the region. The chronological method aids in reconstructing the sequence of pertinent events, linking them together, and documenting crucial temporal changes. Official agreements, declarations, and initiatives undertaken by countries in pursuit of solutions to water-related issues are thoroughly examined. The analysis of official documents serves to confirm the dynamics of dialogue between countries and identifies potential areas of cooperation, such as collaborative resource utilization and the development and implementation of coordinated strategies for water resource management. As a result of the study, authors conclude that despite active political engagement in conflict resolution efforts, effectiveness has remained low due to the predominant inclination of Central Asian countries to protect their national interests exclusively. If each nation's national interest includes resolving issues related to the management and control of water resources, integration could emerge as one of the primary mechanisms for achieving this goal. Education of experts and diplomats in the field of water resource management can contribute to more effective problem-solving and foster better mutual understanding among the countries in the region. For instance, collaboration in the realm of educating specialists in water diplomacy, training qualified personnel, and evaluating the efficacy of international approaches to addressing this issue are considered essential components of a potential solution.

Popular culture and Nile hydropolitics: Amharic songs about the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam

Water conflicts and negotiations between riparian states in the Nile Basin have mostly focused on legal, political, technical, and hydrological aspects of the river and dam construction. The contemporary cultural, emotional, and symbolic dimensions of the river and its dams have been largely overlooked. Therefore, this article explores how the Nile is portrayed, embedded, and perceived in Ethiopian popular culture, particularly popular songs. The Abbay, as the Nile is called in Ethiopia, is an integral part of the country’s identity, culture, history and politics. The river is at the heart of Ethiopian public space and popular songs, which both influence and are shaped by public opinion and official government discourses. The narratives communi- cated through these popular songs dramatically changed after construction began for the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the Blue Nile in 2011. While most songs had previously lamented and cursed the river’s indifference to Ethiopians’ strife, newer narratives glorify and celebrate the river and the GERD. This study used discourse analysis to illustrate how popular songs shape public opinion about Abbay and mobilize popular support for the construction of the GERD. The article concludes with broader implications for water diplomacy and ongoing GERD negotiations.

A European Union ‘Water Diplomacy’? Frames of Water in EU External Action

Summary In 2013, the European Union (EU) formulated its ambition to develop a ‘water diplomacy’. Subsequently, it attempted to put this aspiration into practice, notably through various Council Conclusions. Despite this activity, the EU’s evolution as a ‘water diplomat’ remains underexplored. To address this gap, this article examines the EU’s understanding of ‘water diplomacy’ by conducting a comprehensive discourse analysis of its framing of water as an object of diplomacy and the resulting diplomatic approaches. The analysis of key EU documents, triangulated through interviews with policy-makers, reveals that several water frames currently intersect, resulting in a multifaceted EU external water action comprising both a narrow and a broad understanding of water diplomacy. Following an explanation of this finding focusing on the policy entrepreneurship of intra-EU water diplomacy stakeholders, the article concludes by discussing its implications for the academic study and political practice of water diplomacy within and beyond the EU.

The role of water diplomacy as a changing concept in regional cooperation: a theoretical framework

The role of water diplomacy as a changing concept in regional cooperation: a theoretical framework

Putting diplomacy at the forefront of Water Diplomacy

Water diplomacy is a recent term that has been used to analyse hydropoltiical dynamics and issues that may arise when discussing transboundary water governance. In fact, the shared nature of transboundary water resources may lead to tension over their allocation and use which can in turn aggravate or harm interstate relations and cooperation. This is important as most freshwater resource systems cross jurisdictional borders, with 153 countries sharing transboundary rivers, lakes, and aquifers. Thus, a coordinated and sustainable management of these resources through water diplomacy is vital. While the concept of water diplomacy has been defined in several ways, we stress the need to emphasise diplomacy and the goals beyond the water field when considering this concept.

The Post-1990s Water Diplomacy in Eastern Nile Basin: Changing the Power Asymmetry

The Post-1990s Water Diplomacy in Eastern Nile Basin: Changing the Power Asymmetry

Regional Mediation in African Transboundary Rivers Conflicts: Assessing the African Union’s Role in the Renaissance Dam Negotiations

Abstract In April 2021, Egypt and Sudan announced the failure of the African Union (au)-led negotiations over the filling and operation of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (gerd). Why did the au fail to achieve progress on the contested issues in spite of the parties’ rhetorical commitment to settle these issues, the mediation capacity that the au developed over the last decade, and its comparative advantage as a regional organization close to the dispute? This article addresses this question. It integrates regional conflict resolution literature and water diplomacy approaches to identify the conditions of successful mediation in transboundary water conflicts, a task which contributes to ongoing au efforts to learn from past mediation experiences.

Innovation and geopolitics of water: Navigating the new frontiers of water diplomacy

Tech innovation reshapes water geopolitics: better data, but info challenges and inequalities emerge. Power dynamics shift, demanding equity safeguards. Balancing tech with empathy crucial for lasting cooperation over shared waters.

The Post-1990s Hydro- Diplomacy in Eastern Nile Basin Towards Changing the Power Asymmetry


 
 
 There have been diplomatic tensions and instances of threatening and concerned rhetoric between the countries of the Nile, especially between Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia. This paper examined the post 1990 water diplomacy in eastern Nile River basin. For a long period of time in eastern Nile basin Egypt used to contain and influence the behavior of Sudan and other Nile River riparian states, particularly over issues pertaining to the utilization of the Nile’s waters. This paper argues the post 1990 multi-lateral water diplomacy especially NBI reduce the established power asymmetries, while contributing to the "sustainable socio-economic development of all riparian’s through the equitable utilization of, and benefit from, the common Nile basin water resources. On the other hand, following NBI, Ethiopia shifted from ‘silent partner’ to ‘bargaining power’ so that it involved through a successive water deal among the nine countries. Consequently, in 2009, the discussions among the Nile riparian are on establishing a cooperative framework agreement reached and the constructions of Ethiopia Grand Renaissance Dam on the Blue Nile near the Ethiopian– Sudanese border transforming Ethiopia from “silent partner” to “influential partner and it is considered as a historic event not only for Ethiopia but also for the members of NBI’s. Drawing from lesson this article suggested that the Egyptians stand might not be consistence and the discussions and negation of Ethiopia on GERD project increasingly signaled a more flexible position on cooperating with the upstream states.
 
 

Decolonising water diplomacy and conflict transformation: from security-peace to equity-identity

Abstract Water diplomacy and conflict transformation are dominated by an interest-based paradigm, where attention is given solely to achieving security and peace. We intend to critically challenge this paradigm – which is mainly dominated by the views of the Global North – by emphasising two other important but often overlooked elements: equity and identity. We argue that diplomacy within the contemporary paradigm is easily manipulated by the broader security and peace interests of foreign powers in a manifestation of global and regional geopolitical rivalry. We conclude that pro-security-peace water diplomacy is an inefficacious remedy, and posit instead that equity and particularly identity should be placed at the heart of water diplomacy and conflict transformation. While introducing a new alternative definition, we call for a paradigm shift, from security-peace to equity-identity orientation, to give space for the voice of the Global South in the analysis of hydropolitical relations. This approach affords additional insights into and explanations for hydropolitical patterns, and helps us to define new strategies for decolonising water diplomacy in practice.

Navigating Water Policy: Vietnam's Strategic Shift in the Mekong River Basin (2017-2021)

The historic drought and salinity stress experienced in Vietnam in 2020 starkly demonstrated the criticality of wise water diplomacy for the survival of lower Mekong countries, where the urgent need for water and maintaining natural flow are paramount. Consequently, the period from 2017 to 2021 witnessed a notable shift in Vietnam's water diplomacy, focusing on ensuring water security in the region and responding to the actions of upstream countries. This study examines Vietnam's water diplomacy and its pivotal role in safeguarding water security in the Mekong region during the specified timeframe. Employing a qualitative research approach, the study draws upon expert analyses and scholarly articles to shed light on the significance of water security in Vietnam's foreign policy, the profound impact of climate change and water policies on the nation, and Vietnam's proactive involvement in regional and international cooperation mechanisms. The study emphasizes Vietnam's remarkable adaptability and responsiveness to environmental and global changes, further showcasing the country's remarkable flexibility in its foreign policy pursuits.

Nepal’s Water Diplomacy: Relationship with her Neighbours

Water is the most important natural resource of Nepal. Its importance and demand have been increasing over time, not only in Nepal but also in all of the South Asia region. The Ganges River Basin is the most populous region in the world. People living in and around the Basin rely mainly on the Ganges River to meet their growing water requirements. However, the Ganges River is mostly fed by the rivers that originate in Nepal and Tibet Autonomous Region of China. This paper explores the possibility of Nepal using water as a driver for the development of the region as part of its regional diplomacy.

Water diplomacy: A man’s world? Insights from the Nile, Rhine and Chu-Talas basins

Based on Feminist Institutionalism, this paper analyses the reasons for gender disbalance in water diplomacy. To this end, it looks at three intergovernmental decision-making forums on shared waters, namely the Nile Technical Advisory Committee, the Chu-Talas Water Commission, and the International Commission for the Protection of the Rhine. The perceived key obstacles for women’s access to decision-making positions were disciplinary gender divides that go along with a largely technical approach to water management, the gender division of labour, cultural norms, and perceptions of good leadership. While their relevance differed in the different socio-economic, political and cultural contexts, the overall results show that male dominance in water diplomacy is not only a matter of numerical representation, but enshrined in professional norms and practices.

China's Water Diplomacy: Xishuangbanna Case Study

Xishuangbanna presents one of eight China's Autonomous Prefectures in Yunnan Province and an important trans-Asian hub at the Myanmar-Laos borders. Apart from rich ethnic diversity and a well-preserved tropical ecosystem, it is also the only place from where China shares the actual hydrological water data with downstream countries on the Mekong River since November 2020. As a part of China’s water diplomacy, Xishuangbanna presents both a geostrategic instrument and a fountain of inspiration for non-traditional regional cooperation. In the presented study, we used the constructivist discourse analysis to re-interpret the “Lancang-Mekong Spirit”, a narrative emphasising the community of shared destiny, common interests and solidarity among Mekong countries. Data has been collected from the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation and Conflict Database, which records over 3000 water-related events in the Mekong River Basin between 1990 to 2023. While emphasizing the historical, geographic and political proximity with other Mekong countries positively facilitate China’s foreign policy image in Southeast Asia, the success of the China’s water diplomacy may be limited without accountable inclusion of Yunnan Province specifics. The findings can be replicable in other case studies on China’s non-traditional foreign policy strategies.

Projecting conflict risk in transboundary river basins by 2050 following different ambition scenarios

ABSTRACT This study presents three global scenario projections of conflict risk in transboundary river basins by combining scenario projection data on risks identified in the existing literature. Under a business-as-usual scenario, 920 million people are projected to live in very high to high conflict-risk basins by 2050. In the low ambition scenario, this number decreases to 724 million people, while in the high ambition scenario, it decreases to 536 million. Large basins with specifically high conflict risk are the Juba–Shibeli, Lake Turkana, Indus and Irrawaddy. These findings hope to inform water diplomacy, conflict prevention and mitigation support for basins at risk.