The water–energy security nexus in Central Asia: evaluating the effectiveness of international governance

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MGIMO University

The water–energy security nexus in Central Asia: evaluating the effectiveness of international governance
// Pathways to Peace and Security. 2024. No 1 (66) . P. 229-253
DOI: 10.20542/2307-1494-2024-1-229-253

Abstract. In Central Asia water–energy security nexus is prominently featured on the regional agenda. The region’s major waterways are transboundary and can be strategically managed through the hydraulic infrastructure controlled by upstream nations. Both prior research and anecdotal evidence indicate that clashes of interest between upstream countries (Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan) and downstream nations (Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan) disrupt regional cooperation. This article examines how the existing institutional frameworks facilitate the resolution of water and energy disputes, as well as the forging of agreements. Drawing on theoretical insights from studies on common resource governance, international regimes, and the water–energy nexus, the author points out flaws in the current international governance structures and identifies factors that mitigate water scarcity issues. The analysis highlights six main challenges: the lack of a cohesive water–energy framework; a tendency to favor short-term and bilateral responses to emerging issues due to a deficiency in regional leadership and the ineffectiveness of multilateral organizations; the absence of formal penalties for agreement violations; the lack of established international arbitration mechanisms for water and energy disputes; a lack of trust in the information exchanged among the parties; and the exclusion of Afghanistan from regional discussions.

The article presents the research financially supported by MGIMO University, project No. 2025-04-04.


Keywords: water management, energy security, Central Asia, Interstate Commission for Water Coordination of Central Asia, transboundary water basins, Amy Darya, Syr Darya, climate adaptation


About author

Alexander Nesmashnyi is a Research Fellow at the Center of Euro-Asian Studies, Institute for International Studies, MGIMO University, Moscow.


For citation:
Nesmashnyi A. The water–energy security nexus in Central Asia: evaluating the effectiveness of international governance // Pathways to Peace and Security. 2024. No 1 (66) . P. 229-253. https://doi.org/10.20542/2307-1494-2024-1-229-253



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