Resource Politics: Freshwater and Regional Relations (Public Policy & Management) - Hardcover

A systematic study of the international politics of freshwater resources is long overdue. This is a serious omission, for life, agriculture and industry depend on an assured supply of a certain quality of freshwater. Demand for this resource is constantly growing but its quantity and quality is threatened by various human activities. Moreover, with over 200 river and lake basins shared by two or more states - and the number is increasing with the disintegration of the Soviet Union - the potential for inter-state hostilities over water is increasing. This book furthers our understanding of the international political dimensions of the freshwater issue. It takes a regional approach since it is at the regional level that conflict between states over the resource is most likely to occur and where cooperation must be expedited. It explores the implications of freshwater availability in the interlinking contexts of environmental, developmental and security needs. "Resource Politics" argues that a holistic analysis is integral to the formulation of politically viable, environmentally sensitive and developmentally sustainable water management strategies.