Split Waters: The Idea of Water Conflicts

Water is a limited, finite, contaminated, unavailable, or expensive resource that divides people around the globe. This book investigates the similarity of narration of water conflicts and invites the reader to rethink them and how they are commonly understood and managed. It posits the existence of the idea of water conflict and examines the meaning and power of ideas as compared to other categories of knowledge.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 254 pages
Publication date: 06 July 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Water, a precious and finite resource, has become a source of division and contention across the globe. While it is essential for our survival, its limited availability, contamination, and high costs have created barriers to access for many communities. Despite this, water remains a subject of fierce debate and struggle, with individuals and groups fighting for their rights to this vital resource.

The narration of water conflicts follows a remarkably consistent pattern, regardless of social and geographical contexts. It portrays water as scarce and necessary, leading to conflicts over its allocation and usage. This single story of scarcity has the power to shape how water conflicts are understood and managed.

In order to challenge this dominant narrative, this book delves into the concept of water conflict and its implications. It explores what water conflict is, what it produces, and how it is used to pursue particular interests and legitimize specific historical, technological, and environmental relations. The book also examines the power of ideas compared to other categories of knowledge, advancing theoretical frameworks related to environmental knowledge, discursive power, social constructivism.

The book presents an alternative agenda to deepen the conversation around water conflicts among scholars and activists. It seeks to broaden the understanding of water conflicts by incorporating diverse disciplinary perspectives, including environmental anthropology, sociology, political ecology, economy, science and technology studies, human geography, and environmental sciences. Essays by renowned scholars and activists provide insights into various aspects of water conflicts, including their historical roots, ecological implications, and social and political dimensions.

This book is of interest to scholars and activists alike who are engaged in environmental conflicts, environmental knowledge and justice, disasters and climate change, public policy, and peace studies. It offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to understanding water conflicts and provides valuable insights for addressing these complex challenges.

Weight: 424g
Dimension: 155 x 235 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367466428