RUDN Journal of Political Science

Hydropolitics is a term that has spread widely in the 21st century. Its definitions are multiple and often ambiguous. The breadth and contradictory nature of the concept is the reason for the researchers’ increased attention to it since it forms a demand for certainty. The article aims to analyze the definitions and disciplinary claims of hydropolitics. Methodologically, the author draws on the ideas of formal geopolitics which makes it possible to consider the problems of water supply and political power in the context of the increasing scarcity of natural resources. Endowing water with political meanings and using it as a symbol is, in fact, a centuries-old practice. However, we consider this phenomenon only within the chronological framework of modernity, which is characterized by an age-old linkage between climate change and the politicization of water as a resource. This implies the existence of a worldwide crisis caused by the impending scarcity of fresh water-the peculiarity of 21st-century discourse is the emphasis on both fresh and clean water. All of the above affects interstate relations and creates a new diplomacy format-hydropolitical relations. This means interstate engagement focusing on the issues of fresh water distribution or ensuring access to it. Technological and engineering solutions towards ensuring water supply are of great importance in this sphere. This factor distinguishes hydropolitics from geopolitics and other areas of political knowledge. Hydropolitics is a science that studies political power, water, and the role of hydraulic structures as tools of power control over water in the lives of many societies. All of the aforementioned characteristics allow one to approach hydropolitics as a distinct field, similar to geopolitics, and based on the neorealist theory.

Modern trends towards multipolarity and fragmentation of international cooperation raise the issue of the need to develop a new approach to solving the problem of climate change. The key aspect is the problem of water resources management as a tool for achieving goals on adaptation and neutralization of climate change within local climatic zones. The author concludes that the existing doctrines of fair distribution of water resources, as the main factor of local climate change, demonstrate their inconsistency in the context of multipolarity. In this regard, it is proposed to consider the possibility of developing a new doctrine of water resources management based on the unity of climate goals. For this purpose, the author uses the method of political and legal analysis when working with regulatory materials related to climate policy in Russia. The method of narrative analysis (we are talking about thematic and structural narrative analysis) was used in the study of various Doctrines of fair use of water resources. No less important place in the study is occupied by the analysis of situations (case study). In particular, the analysis of situations related to qualitative methods is necessary when considering cases related to local conflict situations of distribution and management of water resources.

The current situation with the water resources of the Central Asian republics is characterized by an increasing shortage of water in the region caused by global climate change, an increase in population, an increase in economic activity, wear and tear of irrigation systems and other reasons. All of the above actualizes the issues of enhancing regional integration, which is impossible without mutual political trust, referred to by the authors as “hydro-trust”. This work is designed to determine the level of hydro-trust in the region, as well as to develop mechanisms to strengthen it. Under the current conditions, the authors suggest that the States of the region pursue a more coordinated water policy aimed at solving the problem of water scarcity. At the same time, the authors emphasize that it will be possible to implement their plans only if trust is achieved on this issue between all participants in regional hydro policy, which is possible only in an atmosphere of mutual understanding and mutual support. In the institutional plan, it is proposed to consider regional supranational structures, which include the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, to address water issues. In practical terms, the focus is on attracting financial resources for the modernization of existing and construction of new water infrastructure facilities; digitalization of water resources monitoring; use of existing experience and exchange of practices for solving similar problems between direct donors and consumers of water resources in the region. It is emphasized that at the moment Central Asia cannot present a project for the development of the water and energy complex common to all five republics, however, the existing cooperation being built between the states of the region, albeit mainly in a bilateral format, still gives hope for a change in the situation for the better. The research methodology is presented by analyzing joint projects and integration processes in the field of water management in the region.

The relevance of the study is related to the fact that currently the water and energy crisis in Central Asia (CA) has become one of the most acute problems in the region, affecting both internal processes and international relations. The shortage of electricity, which already exists in the Central Asian republics, may soon cause a slowdown in economic development, an increase in social tension and the emergence of conflicts. Awareness of the importance of the issue pushes the republics to search for solutions both within the region and with the involvement of partners from outside. Western non-regional actors present in Central Asia are offering their projects to solve the problems of water use and energy production. The article analyzes the projects of the United States, and the European Union aimed at resolving the water and energy crisis. The authors conclude that for the most part they are part of a strategy to separate the region from Russia (and China), and do not bring real results. It is obvious that now only the Russian Federation has the necessary competencies and offers projects, including hydropower, the implementation of which can radically change the situation.

Global warming caused by climate change has disparate effects on different parts of the international community. Based on the case-study of Tuvalu, an Oceanian microstate, faced the possibility of complete flooding; therefore, it implemented plans for both the physical migration of the population to nearby countries and the digital transfer of statehood to the metaverse. The hypothesis of the study states that the experience of constructing the first digital state in history provides a model of state’s transformation for countries experiencing similar issues as well as for providing a platform for the implementation of future humanitarian projects with the cooperation of the international community. These projects concern the digitalization of public and political life, the formation of digital counterparts for states, and the transition to newly emerging metaverses. The key conclusions are that the digitalization means doubling of phenomena in the social sciences: along with physical space, a transfer to the digital one is assumed, however the case of Tuvalu can indicate in the future that the state, society, and culture will exist purely digitally.

The Turkish Istanbul Canal infrastructural project is formally aimed at solving the problems related to the ecological situation in the Black Sea and its straits. The construction of the canal should create additional opportunities for the expansion of shipping, especially if cargo traffic increases. However, the new waterway, which is to pass through Turkish territory, affects not only the problems of navigation and use of water resources, but will also become a powerful catalyst for new geopolitical projects. The construction of the canal will allow Ankara to bypass the provisions of the Montreux Convention, which regulates the passage of vessels through the Bosporus and Dardanelles straits. The study analyses how the implementation of this project will affect the geopolitical situation in the Black Sea. The construction of a new water route passing through Turkish territory will strengthen Ankara’s political position in the Black Sea region. In this case, the passage of vessels through the waterway will be regulated by national legislation. The author uses historical and comparative methods to reveal the peculiarities of Turkish policy on the construction of the canal. The article concludes that the implementation of this project will strengthen Turkey’s position in the Black Sea region and enforce its role in determining geopolitical processes in the area.

Water is at the center of attention and plays an important role in all three dimensions of sustainability - environmental, economic and socio-political development. The article discusses the strategic importance of the water system of the Republic of Belarus. The geopolitical situation and use of water resources, especially in the context of climate change, increase the importance of sustainable water policies and transboundary cooperation. The COVID-19 pandemic and its devastating impact on human life have shown how closely linked the UN 2030 Water Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6). The research methodology is based on the analysis of normative legal acts, international agreements, statistical indicators, as well as methods of induction and deduction. The article deals with topical issues of the hydropolitics of the Republic of Belarus, which regulate cross-border cooperation, the impact of climate change processes, cataclysms and environmental threats, as well as the energy use of water resources. The uneven use of water resources by States bordering Belarus, the discharge of wastewater and chemicals, as well as hydraulic engineering projects can lead to potential transboundary conflicts.