1
Department of Political Geography, Faculty of Geography, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
2
Department of Human Geography, Faculty of Geography, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
10.22034/ssq.2026.545725.4315
Abstract
Water, a critical natural resource, has become a significant geopolitical factor in today's world. Population growth, economic development, and climate change are intensifying competition and potential conflicts over water resources. With over 60% of the world's freshwater resources crossing national borders, international tensions are rising due to unbalanced distribution and management challenges.
Hydro-politics is the systematic study of relations between countries concerning the use of international waters. These relationships can manifest as cooperation, competition, or conflict, influenced by broader geopolitical and economic ties. Almost half of the Earth's surface lies within international river basins, which are home to 2.8 billion people across 286 basins, covering 42% of the total land area. The growing demand for shared resources in these basins exacerbates tensions.
Disputes over water often arise from differing interests and can escalate into conflicts, leading to environmental problems like desertification. As water scarcity increases, so does the risk of high-tension scenarios in transboundary basins. Understanding the causes of these conflicts is crucial for effective management and prevention.
This study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the root causes of water conflicts and to propose appropriate categories for their systematic analysis.
Zaki,Y and Mahmoudian,M . (2026). Classifying Hydro- political conflicts an their examples. (e245742). Strategic Studies Quarterly, (), e245742 doi: 10.22034/ssq.2026.545725.4315
MLA
Zaki,Y , and Mahmoudian,M . "Classifying Hydro- political conflicts an their examples" .e245742 , Strategic Studies Quarterly, , , 2026, e245742. doi: 10.22034/ssq.2026.545725.4315
HARVARD
Zaki Y, Mahmoudian M. (2026). 'Classifying Hydro- political conflicts an their examples', Strategic Studies Quarterly, (), e245742. doi: 10.22034/ssq.2026.545725.4315
CHICAGO
Y Zaki and M Mahmoudian, "Classifying Hydro- political conflicts an their examples," Strategic Studies Quarterly, (2026): e245742, doi: 10.22034/ssq.2026.545725.4315
VANCOUVER
Zaki Y, Mahmoudian M. Classifying Hydro- political conflicts an their examples. SSQ. 2026;():e245742 (In Persian). doi: 10.22034/ssq.2026.545725.4315
