Trans-boundary River Basin Management: Factors Influencing the Success or Failure of International Agreements

Abstract

Water is an environmental, political, cultural, historical, and economic natural resource that is of vital importance for human life. As many water resources are shared by more than one country and since there is no substitute for water, water has become a security issue. In this paper, we provide an overview of the factors that may potentially increase conflict among riparian countries and affect the success or failure of international agreements in addressing trans-boundary water management issues. Additional insight into these factors can assist in designing resilient water treaties, decrease the likelihood of the collapse of international water agreements, and consequently decrease the potential for conflicts among riparian countries.