Water Conflict, Cooperation and Diplomacy

Many countries in the world share water resources – be it rivers, lakes or aquifers – with their neighbours. In light of increasing pressure on water resources due to raising demands, we often hear warnings that disagreements about using shared water resources might lead to increased tensions or, in the worst case, to conflict.

To prevent such situations, it is crucial to reflect on how to govern shared waters in a sustainable way. Indeed, there are many examples of peaceful cooperation on shared waters around the world. In this course, participants will learn about the complex linkages between water and conflict, and how to overcome challenges of governing shared waters. It will familiarize participants with different tracks and tools of water diplomacy, using examples from different basins in the world and practical experience of involved experts.

Participants will learn to critically engage with the key principles of international water law and different institutional arrangements for transboundary water cooperation. At a more practical level, the course will introduce the basics of practical skills of negotiation. Participants will learn about multiple perspectives, cultures, and spiritualities and how they are expressed in water conflict transformation; and will practice a range of conflict transformation tools through in-class exercises.