Transboundary Water Management in Central Asia and Afghanistan: Realism, Liberal Institutionalism, and Emerging Challenges

ABSTRACT Water scarcity in Central Asia has intensified due to uneven distribution, population growth, and competing demands for hydroelectric power and agriculture. This paper examines transboundary water management in the region through the lenses of realism and liberal institutionalism, focusing on Uzbekistan's diplomatic shift, the Kyrgyzstan–Tajikistan border disputes, and Afghanistan's Qosh Tepa Canal project. Realism highlights power struggles and zero‐sum competition over water resources, whereas liberal institutionalism emphasizes the role of regional institutions, such as the Consultative Meetings of Central Asian Presidents, in fostering cooperation. The study reveals that although diplomatic efforts have resolved some conflicts, emerging challenges like the Qosh Tepa Canal underscore the need for stronger governance frameworks. By comparing Central Asia's water politics with other regions, the paper argues that a balance between power dynamics and institutional cooperation is essential for sustainable water management.

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