Conflicts over Water
Competing for Usage Rights in Central Asia
Deutsche Fassung
Abstract
The independence of the former Soviet republics of Central Asia has exacerbated water problems in the region. The national development strategies of the five states have lead to conflicting claims over rights of use. Alongside the classic conflicts of distribution, the conflict between irrigation and energy production is increasingly coming to the fore, something that must be negotiated between those upstream and downstream. This conflict becomes more explosive due to Russian, Chinese and Iranian interference. All of the players have geo-strategic interests and an enormous demand for energy.
(Osteuropa 8-9/2007, pp. 483–496)