Taking a step back: What is Hydro-Politics?

Why water? 

I came across this BBC article - it might be somewhat brief but intelligibly breaks down why water is an issue we need to discuss - I recommend checking it out! The author ultimately remarks: Without access to clean water, there can be no peace. In the course of the blog, I will come back to that matter. But first, let’s take a step back.

June 2017: Why "hydro-politics" will shape the 21st Century. Find the full article online at www.bbc.com

In order to allow this blog to develop as comprehensively as possible, this entry will level the playing field of water politics or hydro-politics, how it is frequently referred to, in Africa. Thus, this post will look at ways to define hydro-politics. Based on that, the upcoming blog posts will explore different aspects of hydro-politics in Africa in order contribute to a better understanding of present (political) challenges of the water sector in the continent (or some parts of it).

So, what is water politics or hydro-politics?

In the book 'Hydropolitics in the developing world: A Southern African Perspective' (2003) the editors Roland Henwood and Anthony Turton and provide a wholesome overview of the discipline of hydro-politics. The South African scientist A. Turton starts off with defining stating: “Water is a complex issue and, as a result, it could be expected that hydro-politics will reflect this complexity.” He subsequently argues that the area of hydro-politics suffers a “lack of clarity in definitions”. He, later on, provides the following definition: “(hydro-politics is) the authoritative allocation of values in society with respect to water”. 

Other notable definitions on hydro-politics are provided by Elhance (1997) and R. Meissner (1998). According to A.P. Elhance (1997) “Water politics is the systematic analyses of interstate conflict and cooperation regarding international water resources” (1997:218). In comparison, Meissner`s definition (1998) is slightly more specific in its framing. He includes both the parties involved and their interactions and further outlines the diverse dimensions of water: “Water politics is the systemic investigation of the interaction between states, non-state actors and a host of other participants, like individuals within and outside the state, regarding the authoritative allocation and/or use of international and national water resources, rivers, aquifers, lakes, wetlands, and glaciers” (1998:.4f).

(It should be noted here, however, that the given definition relies on the Master Thesis by R. Meissner. I feel confident referring to it here since R. Meissner’s work and his definition are frequently cited today, his latest book 'Hydropolitics, Interest Groups and Governance: The Case of the Proposed Epupa Dam' was published in 2016). 

The three above outlined definitions of hydro-politics are not predominantly equivocal however they appear to strongly vary in specificity. Whereas Turton provides a very straightforward, narrow definition, Elhance and most noticeable Meissner elaborate much more, in a sense drawing a picture of the sheer endless dimensions of hydro-politics which is rather hinted at by Turton. Interestingly, Elhance' definition excludes domestic water management.
This raises the question how the perception of hydro-politics has changed over the years. I turned to one of the most prominent current water management challenges of today's world - the Lake Chad region. In this context, Asah (2014) does refer to hydro-politics as an 'analytical tool', in particular for the understanding of water induced power shifts in governance around interstate hydrological units. 

Interestingly, the author here highlights the challenges posed by the authoritative manner with which riparian states approach the water source as individual stakeholders states claim dominance over the allocation and distruction. Therefore could possibly speak of a broadening lens through which hydro-politics is examined today. Clearly, due to the very nature of water, it poses unusual challenges since water in its appearance is outstandingly diverse in form, allocation, quality, and quantity thus scarce in many regions. To put it in the words of urban ecologist Bakker (2014) - it is an uncooperative commodity. Yet, (clean) water is not only the pre-condition for the existence of society, it is as vital for the economy, as it is for the environment. As exemplified by Asah (2014); (clean) water is a scarce commodity thus inherently linked to power.

During the course of the term, I will look at numerous factors challenging hydro-politics. With regards to current developments and our seminar topics, I sense there is more on the Lake Chad and some riparian states to come. Stay tuned! 

And, of course, question, comment and let me know what you think!
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Got some time? Anthony Turton has been widely cited and given some, I find, very interesting talks. If interested in reading more about and of him I recommend having a look at his webpage.
Conveniently book I referred to is available online, it was also the first book he wrote by himself and states he is “proudest” about that very book.