Description
This paper delves into the complex interplay of water conflict and cooperation in the transboundary Syr Darya Basin, shedding light on the multifaceted nature of water-related relations in the region. Water, often dubbed the "wars of the 21st century," holds strategic significance and can catalyze conflicts. However, these views have been challenged, and studies have shown that cooperative events are more present than conflicts. In addition, comprehending power asymmetries is essential to understanding the reality of transboundary water relations. This study analyzes the transboundary relations and water events in the Syr Darya basin, allowing us to show how conflict and cooperation coexist and how power asymmetries can be central to understanding these dynamics. This paper delves into these coexisting relations by combining different methods, such as the BAR scale to grade water events and the TWINS framework to represent the state of the Syr Darya basin.
