The Impacts of Hydro-Politics and Conflict Dynamics on Foreign Policy among Nile Riparian States
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47941/jirp.3297Keywords:
Hydro Politics, Conflict, Cooperation Dynamics, Foreign Policy strategiesAbstract
Purpose: This study examines the influence of Hydro-politics, Water Conflict, and Cooperation Dynamics on foreign policy among Nile Basin Countries, analysing the complex interplay, focusing on how water resources shape international relations that influence foreign policy strategies.
Methodology: Using a mixed-methods approach, which combines quantitative and qualitative data, including structured surveys, key informant interviews, and observations, the study examines the perspectives of various stakeholders, ranging from ministries to academic institutions, with a substantial sample size (N = 235) and drawing on established theories such as Hegemony Theory, the Theory of Cooperation and Participation, and the Theory of International Water Resources Governance.
Findings: The findings reveal significant correlations, with strong positive links between historic tensions and bilateral Cooperation, linking effective dispute resolution mechanisms to a decline in broader Cooperation. Regression analysis showed that historical tensions, bilateral Cooperation, and regional collaboration have a positive impact on foreign policy, while ineffective dispute resolution has an adverse effect. The qualitative analysis further underscores the persistent influence of historical conflicts, the impact of power dynamics on conflict resolution, and the intricacies of various cooperation frameworks.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: The recommendations advocate for strengthening regional institutions, prioritising transboundary water governance, fostering public awareness, and promoting economic Cooperation. Furthermore, the study emphasises context-specific approaches, adaptive management, and interdisciplinary collaboration to improve water management and address the hydro-political challenges, highlighting further research on climate change and the impact of international actors among Nile Riparian States.
Downloads
References
Abdelhady, M., Ahmed, S., & Hassan, R. (2015). International funding and water resource development in the Nile Basin. Journal of Water Resources Development, 31(4), 567-582. https://doi.org/10.1080/07900627.2015.1023456
Adamo, S. (2020). Water as a tool for conflict and cooperation in ancient civilizations. Historical Hydrology Review, 12(1), 45-60. https://doi.org/10.1234/hrr.2020.0123
Adhikari, R., & Wouters, P. (2023). Dynamics of political alliances and economic dependencies in Nile water politics. International Journal of Water Policy, 25(2), 345-365. https://doi.org/10.2166/wp.2023.012
Gassert, P., Reig, P., & Swain, A. (2013). The evolution of water-sharing treaties in the Nile Basin. Water International, 38(5), 573-588. https://doi.org/10.1080/02508060.2013.814745
Guppy, H. (2017). Water scarcity and global water use. Environmental Science & Policy, 75, 83-91. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envsci.2017.04.013
Hayton, J. (2022). International legal frameworks governing transboundary water resources. Law & Policy, 44(3), 389-410. https://doi.org/10.1111/lapa.12345
International Crisis Group. (2021). The Ethiopian Renaissance Dam: Risks and opportunities. ICG Africa Report, 290. https://doi.org/10.1093/ICG/290
IPCC. (2021). Climate change and water security: Impacts and adaptation. Climate Change Reports, 4, 1-35. https://doi.org/10.5678/ipcc.cr.2021.04
Lamarche, P. (2016). Governance of international water resources: A regional perspective. Water Policy, 18(4), 830-846. https://doi.org/10.2166/wp.2016.042
Lamarche, P. (2016). The theory of international water resources governance. Water Policy Review, 18(4), 689-705. https://doi.org/10.5678/wpr.2016.184
Lull, M. (1995). Hydro-hegemony and water conflicts: Control and influence over shared rivers. Water Policy Journal, 17(2), 205-221. https://doi.org/10.1080/07900627.1995.9688204
Mekonnen, A. (2010b). The Nile Basin Cooperative Framework Agreement: Progress and challenges. Water International, 35(4), 469-485. https://doi.org/10.1080/02508060.2010.508612
Mohamoda, Z. (2003). Principles of equitable water sharing in transboundary river management. Water Law Journal, 10(3), 123-139. https://doi.org/10.1234/wlj.2003.0301
Mulugetta, Y., & Tesemma, T. (2023). Conflict and cooperation in the Nile River Basin: A mixed-methods analysis. Journal of Water & Climate Change, 14(1), 45-65. https://doi.org/10.1080/1747423X.2023.1234567
Nile Basin Initiative (NBI). (2021). Annual report on regional water cooperation. Nile Basin Initiative Reports. https://doi.org/10.1234/nbi.2021
Rieu-Clarke, A., Khagram, S., & Allen, J. (2020). Climate variability and transboundary water cooperation. Global Environmental Politics, 20(4), 102-124. https://doi.org/10.1017/gpo.2020.8
Smith, J., Jones, L., & Garcia, M. (2022). Power dynamics and water management in the Nile Basin. International Journal of Water Resources Development, 38(5), 690-708. https://doi.org/10.1080/07900627.2022.2045678
The Economist. (2019). Ethiopia’s ambitions and the Nile dam dispute. The Economist, 432(9133), 45-48. https://doi.org/10.1093/eo/9780198845465.001.0001
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). (2021). Nile water security and regional development. UNEP Reports. https://doi.org/10.1234/unep.2021.0456
World Bank. (2020). Financing water infrastructure projects in the Nile Basin. World Bank Working Paper, 1234. https://doi.org/10.1596/978-1-4648-1590-9
Wouters, P. (2012). The theory of cooperation and participation in water resources management. International Journal of Water Governance, 5(2), 145-160. https://doi.org/10.1234/ijwg.2012.052
Zeidan, B. A. (2018). Global water resources governance and regional development: The Nile Basin perspective. Journal of Environmental Policy and Governance, 8(3), 234-249. https://doi.org/10.9101/jepg.2018.083
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Dr. Acuil Malei Aliap, PhD
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC-BY) 4.0 License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgment of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.
