Abstract
This chapter identifies the elements that create a political and social environment conducive to water cooperation, using the case study of the Water for Peace (WfP) initiative by Türkiye and Israel in the early 2000s. The chapter is based on a historical analysis of the evolution of bilateral relations between the two countries, as well as secondary climate and water data to support the analysis. Water for Peace was an unsuccessful initiative that aimed to start collaboration on water between Türkiye and Israel, resting on the idea of using water for the de-escalation of tensions in the region by supplying water from Türkiye. This case shows how failing to involve civil society and particularly the business community undermines state-level efforts to tackle regional water-related challenges.
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Notes
- 1.
Since 2022, the country is called the Republic of Türkiye in English, and no longer the Republic of Turkey.
- 2.
This chapter was drafted before the 6 February 2023 earthquakes in Türkiye. The earthquakes would further reinforce the conditions argued in this chapter, i.e. the need for more water by Turkiye and cooperation on development and environmental issues.
- 3.
The active and ongoing ‘Industry for Peace’ (Barış İçin Sanayi) initiative is run by The Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Türkiye (Türkiye Odalar ve Borsalar Birliği—TOBB). TOBB initiated the Industry for Peace plan (TOBB-BIS) to develop a Turkish-type industrial zone in Jenin, West Bank. TOBB-BIS was contracted in early 2010 for developing, managing and operating the Jenin Industrial Free Zone (JIFZ). TOBB-BIS established infrastructure and industrial facilities. The purpose is to foster trade and manufacturing between Türkiye, Palestine and Israel, thus promoting peace and stability. See the Palestinian Investment Promotion and Industrial Estates Agency: http://www.pipa.ps/page.php?id=28878fy2656143Y28878f.
- 4.
Many Middle Eastern governments are wary of the activities of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), sometimes considering them a threat to national security, especially if NGOs receive foreign funding. International organizations may increase the reputation of NGOs, although in some cases the effect could also be the opposite.
- 5.
The Water-Energy-Food (WEF) nexus approach is a method manage the same water resources for both the water consumption of the population for their domestic and industrial use, as well as for electricity generation and for irrigation in agriculture. WEF nexus approach intersects these sectors and requires a holistic understanding of the environment and how to use water resources in a sustainable way for electricity generation, agriculture, industrial and household usage. For more information, please look at Diriöz (2021).
- 6.
Türkiye recognizes the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
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Dirioz, A.O. (2023). Water for Peace Revisited: Reconsidering the Role of Securitization in Water Cooperation. In: Szálkai, K., Szalai, M. (eds) Theorizing Transboundary Waters in International Relations. Springer Water. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-43376-4_7
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