Regional Security and the Management of Transboundary Water Resources in Central Asia

Abstract

This article explores the interconnection between regional security and the management of transboundary water resources in Central Asia, focusing on the Amu Darya and Syr Darya river basins. With the region facing escalating water stress due to population growth, climate change, and increased agricultural demands, water scarcity has become a significant geopolitical issue. The study investigates historical and current legal frameworks, regional agreements, institutional mechanisms, and international law principles regulating water use. Particular attention is paid to the post-Soviet fragmentation of water governance, the environmental crisis of the Aral Sea, and the growing influence of Afghanistan. The paper concludes with policy recommendations aimed at promoting cooperative water management to ensure long-term peace and sustainable development in the region.