An introduction to the quadruple analytical pattern of international water conflicts and an examination of the efficiency of water diplomacy in resolving conflicts (Case study of Central Asia)

پژوهش ‎های جغرافیای سیاسی

Articles in Press, Corrected Proof, Available Online from 10 September 2024

Document Type: Original Article

DOI: 10.22067/pg.2024.89706.1308

Authors

Mansoure Eskandaran¹; Hadi Zarghani^{* 2}; Mohammad Javad Ranjkesh³

¹PhD student, Department of Geography, Faculty of Humanities, Ferdowsi University, Mashhad, Iran.

²Associate Professor of Political Geography. Department of Geography. Ferdowsi University of Mashhad. Mashhad Iran

³Assistant Professor of International Relations. Department of Political Science. Ferdowsi University of Mashhad. Mashhad Iran

Abstract

There are almost more than 300 transboundary river basins in the world, which are sometimes the cause of conflict. Therefore, resolving the conflicts of these rivers is important not only for the economy but also for maintaining stability and peace between countries. In general, the three factors of demand, source and structure have an effect on the formation, consistency and continuity of water conflicts at the international level, either directly or indirectly. Systematic investigations to determine how to resolve water disputes show that conflicts are formed due to structural factors as a result of efforts to control, access and limit the consumption of international water resources by changing the direction of water flow, building dams and creating reservoirs; Conflicts arise due to the demand factor and excessive use of international water resources, which are exacerbated by population growth, industrial development, and urbanization, and conflicts arise due to resource destruction, which are indirectly affected by the two factors of demand and structure and intensify Effective conflicts arise. However, it seems that after the beginning of the water-related conflict, the implementation of diplomacy using diplomatic tools and not technical tools will help countries in establishing regional stability and pursuing peace. Because the actors in the water conflict scene can use this tool against unwillingness to cooperate, disregard for international water laws, water hegemony and power imbalance in order to obtain maximum benefits. Focusing on Central Asia, this article tries to use a descriptive-analytical method, within the framework of the four analytical model (institutionalist, activist, structural-functional and systemic) to get a clear picture of the water conditions and the factors affecting the possibility of future water conflict between the countries.

Keywords

Water diplomacy; Central Asia; analysis model; of conflict

References