Hydropolitics and Hydro-geopolitics: Clarifying the Concepts for a Better Understanding of Water Issues
Olivier Cogels, 31 December 2023
In the complex domain of water resource management, the terminology used to describe its many facets plays a crucial role in understanding the underlying issues. The term 'hydropolitics' is widely recognized and has been used since its introduction by John Waterbury in 1979 in his analysis of the Nile Valley. In 1999, Arun P. Elhance defined hydropolitics as "the systematic study of conflicts and cooperation between states regarding transboundary water resources." Personally, I prefer a broader definition of hydropolitics, encompassing all political aspects of water, whether at the local, national, or international level.
To specifically emphasize the political aspects at the international level, the introduction of the term 'water geopolitics' or 'hydro-geopolitics' seems appropriate.
Let's recall that geopolitics as a discipline focuses on the relations between states and their respective influence on global politics, linked to geographical, economic, and strategic factors. This includes how countries interact with each other, how borders and natural resources influence these interactions, and how geography influences the policies and strategies of states on the international stage.
While hydropolitics, in my view, should cover all political aspects related to water at any scale, the use of the term 'hydro-geopolitics' or 'water geopolitics' allows us to focus on the analysis of political relations between states and how water becomes a strategic element in foreign policies, regional conflicts, and international negotiations. This term highlights the importance of water as a key factor in global power and influence strategies.
References:Arun P. Elhance (1999). Hydropolitics in the 3rd World: Conflict and Cooperation in International River Basins. Washington, DC: US Institute of Peace Press.John Waterbury (1979). Hydropolitics of the Nile Valley. Syracuse, NY: Syracuse University Press.
To specifically emphasize the political aspects at the international level, the introduction of the term 'water geopolitics' or 'hydro-geopolitics' seems appropriate.
Let's recall that geopolitics as a discipline focuses on the relations between states and their respective influence on global politics, linked to geographical, economic, and strategic factors. This includes how countries interact with each other, how borders and natural resources influence these interactions, and how geography influences the policies and strategies of states on the international stage.
While hydropolitics, in my view, should cover all political aspects related to water at any scale, the use of the term 'hydro-geopolitics' or 'water geopolitics' allows us to focus on the analysis of political relations between states and how water becomes a strategic element in foreign policies, regional conflicts, and international negotiations. This term highlights the importance of water as a key factor in global power and influence strategies.
References:Arun P. Elhance (1999). Hydropolitics in the 3rd World: Conflict and Cooperation in International River Basins. Washington, DC: US Institute of Peace Press.John Waterbury (1979). Hydropolitics of the Nile Valley. Syracuse, NY: Syracuse University Press.