S. Chuulundorj
KEYWORDS: Central Asia, water security, great powers, geopolitics, transboundary rivers
ABSTRACT:
This article analyzes the geopolitical significance of transboundary water resources in Central Asia, especially the Amu Darya, Syr Darya, Ili, Irtysh, Chu, and Talas rivers and the water and mountain ice caps, the policy orientations of the great powers (China, Russia, the United States, and the EU), the intersection of regional internal interests, and the risk map. The scarcity of fresh water is a factor affecting not only economic development, but also regional security and political stability. The term Central Asia includes the territories of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Water-rich Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan are mountainous and have upstream sources, while Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan are downstream users. Unequal distribution of water creates constant tension in political and economic relations.
The collapse of the Aral Sea and the melting of the Tengger Mountains and Pamir glaciers are further exacerbating the problem of water scarcity and increasing geopolitical risks. The involvement of great powers has made water management not just a domestic issue but a strategic factor affecting regional stability.
Төв Азийн цэвэр ус: Их гүрнүүдийн бодлого болон ирээдүйн чиг хандлагын талаарх таамаглал
С.Чулуундорж1
- Үндэсний батлан хамгаалахын их сургууль ↩︎