Though awareness of the nature of water conflict and cooperation has improved over time, the likelihood of water conflicts could increase as populations continue to grow and climate change continues to manifest. This article details the nature of water conflict and water cooperation. We discuss how water conflicts can be resolved, how water can be seen as a vehicle for change between states, and future directions that can be taken in transboundary water conflict research.
Jacob D. Petersen-Perlman is Assistant Professor in the Department of Geography, Planning, & Environment at East Carolina University; Jennifer C. Veilleux is a Research Affiliate in the Steven J. Green School of International and Public Affairs at Florida International University; and Aaron T. Wolf is Professor of Geography at Oregon State University.