The Political and Strategic Significance of Water

Abstract

Water has always been regarded as of political and even of strategic importance, particularly in the more arid parts of the world. From the earliest civilizations in the Fertile Crescent to the modern state, water security has been considered a national issue. Over 40% of the world's population lives in shared drainage basins, and therefore questions of equity with regard to potable water supplies, irrigation, power distribution, flood control, navigation, fishing and, possibly, leisure pursuits, are bound to arise. As in many parts of the world, but especially the Middle East and the drier areas of Africa, populations burgeon, these questions will assume even greater prominence. International law in the context of trans-boundary issues is still largely in the development stage. Recently, with the changing world order, the concept of resource geopolitics, involving potential problems of access and denial, has been re-examined. In this context, like petroleum and certain minerals, water is designated strategic. As is apparent in the current Middle East Peace Talks, water issues can be a vital component in global diplomacy.