Water scarcity has emerged as a key issue in global geopolitics, particularly for lower riparian countries—those situated downstream of river systems shared with upstream states. The dependence of these nations on the water flow from upstream countries creates a complex dynamic, where geopolitical power, economic interests, and environmental sustainability collide. Countries that control the sources of major transboundary rivers often exert immense pressure on downstream nations, giving rise to tensions that can escalate into “water wars.” This essay critically examines the plight of lower riparian states, focusing on key examples where upstream countries assert control, leading to conflicts and challenges in water governance.
The concept of riparian rights, particularly the principle of “equitable and reasonable utilization,” is central to managing shared water resources. However, upstream countries often control the narrative and the actual flow of water. Their ability to alter, dam, or divert rivers places lower riparian states at the mercy of upstream actions. In such contexts, lower riparian nations face severe disadvantages as they are highly vulnerable to upstream water projects, which can dramatically affect their agriculture, economy, and livelihoods. The competition for freshwater resources intensifies as population growth and climate change further strain available water supplies.
The Nile River is one of the most contentious transboundary rivers, with Egypt and Sudan as lower riparian countries, heavily reliant on its waters. For decades, Egypt has held hegemonic control over the Nile, based on colonial-era treaties that granted it a lion’s share of the water. However, Ethiopia, as an upstream........