A River Flows Through It: A Comparative Study of Transboundary Water Disputes and Cooperation in Asia

A River Flows Through It: A Comparative Study of Transboundary Water Disputes and Cooperation in Asia explores water disputes in Asia and addresses the question of how states sharing a river system can be incentivized to cooperate. It compares cases in Asia with those in Africa, Europe, and the United States to understand why riparian states cooperate and how non-state actors affect the management of international rivers.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

A River Flows Through It: A Comparative Study of Transboundary Water Disputes and Cooperation in Asia delves into the intricate dynamics of water disputes across Asia, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities faced by states sharing river systems. Water scarcity, driven by factors such as rapid economic development, population growth, and urbanization, has become a pressing global concern, leading to devastating floods, droughts, and environmental disasters. In regions with a history of conflict, scarce water resources have further exacerbated tensions and even sparked wars. However, it is remarkable that states sharing a river basin often find ways to cooperate, whether through far-reaching water-sharing agreements or more limited agreements such as the sharing of hydrological data.

The question of why riparian states cooperate, particularly in the context of transboundary river basins characterized by power asymmetries, is central to this book. Non-state actors, including local communities, environmental organizations, and international institutions, also play a significant role in shaping the management of international rivers. The authors explore the conditions that facilitate or hinder cooperation, drawing on a wealth of case studies from Asia, Africa, Europe, and the United States.

This comprehensive study offers valuable insights to scholars, students, and policymakers interested in transboundary water disputes and cooperation, hydro-diplomacy, and river activism. It provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the complexities of water governance and offers practical solutions for promoting sustainable water management and cooperation across borders.

The book is organized into five chapters, each exploring a different aspect of transboundary water disputes and cooperation. The first chapter provides an overview of the water crisis in Asia, highlighting the challenges and opportunities faced by the region. The second chapter explores the historical context of water disputes in Asia, examining the factors that have contributed to tensions and conflicts. The third chapter examines the role of international institutions in managing transboundary water disputes, including the World Bank, the United Nations, and regional organizations. The fourth chapter focuses on the case studies of specific river systems in Asia, including the Mekong, Ganges, and Yellow River basins. The fifth chapter examines the challenges and opportunities for cooperation in transboundary water management, drawing lessons from the case studies and proposing policy recommendations.

In conclusion, A River Flows Through It: A Comparative Study of Transboundary Water Disputes and Cooperation in Asia is a timely and important contribution to the field of water governance. It offers a comprehensive analysis of water disputes and cooperation in Asia, drawing on a wealth of case studies and insights from experts in the field. This book will be of great value to scholars, students, and policymakers interested in transboundary water disputes and cooperation, hydro-diplomacy, and river activism.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367636784