Situating water in peacebuilding: revisiting the Middle East peace process

Abstract

Few studies have conceptually discussed the linkage between hydropolitics and peacebuilding. This article critically assesses the problematique of conflict and cooperation in the Jordan River basin and explores the underlying and shared assumptions between functionalist negotiation principles and liberal peacebuilding practices. It analyzes the competing positions among Israelis and Palestinians and revisits the water negotiations in the Middle East peace process. It reveals how technical framing of water cooperation takes precedence, which tends to ignore power asymmetry and the politics of water. © 2013 International Water Resources Association.