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Scarperation : an empirical inquiry into the role of scarcity in fostering cooperation between international river riparians

Author

Listed:
  • Dinar, Shlomi
  • Dinar, Ariel
  • Kurukulasuriya, Pradeep
Abstract
The environment and security literature has argued that freshwater scarcity often leads to inter-state conflict, and possibly acute violence. The contention, however, ignores the long history of hydro-political cooperation exemplified by hundreds of documented agreements. Building on a theory that considers the relationship between scarcity and hydro-political cooperation, this paper empirically investigates why treaties are negotiated for some rivers and between some riparians, and not others. The paper suggests that long-term water scarcity has a significant influence on levels of cooperation. Additional variables considered include trade, level of governance among the riparian states, and the geography of the river. Findings confirm that cooperation and scarcity embody a concave (inverted U curve) relationship. Governance has a positive impact on cooperation. In addition, riparians may either arrange the use of their scarce water resources via a treaty or trade (and indirectly exchange [virtual]water). Scarcity, governance, and trade were found to be most salient in explaining levels of cooperation while geography is significant in some of the estimates.

Suggested Citation

  • Dinar, Shlomi & Dinar, Ariel & Kurukulasuriya, Pradeep, 2007. "Scarperation : an empirical inquiry into the role of scarcity in fostering cooperation between international river riparians," Policy Research Working Paper Series 4294, The World Bank.
    • Handle: RePEc:wbk:wbrwps:4294
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Ansink, Erik & Weikard, Hans-Peter, 2009. "Contested water rights," European Journal of Political Economy, Elsevier, vol. 25(2), pages 247-260, June.
    2. Dinar, Ariel & Blankespoor, Brian & Dinar, Shlomi & Kurukulasuriya, Pradeep, 2010. "The impact of water supply variability on treaty cooperation between international bilateral river basin riparian states," Policy Research Working Paper Series 5307, The World Bank.
    3. Ansink, Erik, 2010. "Refuting two claims about virtual water trade," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 69(10), pages 2027-2032, August.

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