Abstract
Central Asian water management has always been linked to energy and security politics. The region is abundant in water as well as in natural energy sources. However, distribution of these resources is a steady reason for quarrel within the region. In particular, the usage of mutually shared waterways creates tensions between different nation states. The five Central Asian republics Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan seek energy independence and try to consolidate their position within this geopolitically important region. Despite their complex interdependencies, which affect all important social, economic, political and security relevant matters, Central Asian national states have initiated a disintegration process in the region. Economic crises after decades of mutual dependence make the region dependent on foreign investments. Within this complex setting, managing transboundary waters becomes a sensitive task that seems impossible to be resolved by the affected players themselves. Central Asian water management reaches beyond the borders of the region and has long become an international concern. This article analyzes how foreign geopolitical interests shape regional water management, and how capacity building measures can lead to sustainable management from within the region.
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Notes
Interestingly enough, the United States with the help of the World Bank and the IMF could favor the building of the Rogun dam, if it brings energy and economic prosperity to the greater Central Asian region (see also: Hilary Kramer “Importance of Rogun dam for the War on Terror” http://www.forbes.com/sites/hilarykramer/2013/03/04/importance-of-rogun-dam-for-the-war-on-terror/).
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Abdolvand, B., Mez, L., Winter, K. et al. The dimension of water in Central Asia: security concerns and the long road of capacity building. Environ Earth Sci 73, 897–912 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-014-3579-9
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-014-3579-9