Water diplomacy and geopolitics: restoration and development

Аннотация

The present article delves into the political processes concerning water in Central Asia, with a specific focus on Uzbekistan, spanning from ancient times to the contemporary era. The analysis is based on research findings from various scientific literature sources. The agricultural, livestock, and artisanal activities of the Central Asian population have historically been intertwined with water resources. Furthermore, the geopolitical theories of N. Spykman and H. Mackinder, such as the Heartland and Rimland models, have been meticulously examined. In the current global context, water-related issues are increasingly becoming a focal point for many nations, with predictions of potential political conflicts arising from water scarcity. Among the environmental challenges confronting the world today, water scarcity has emerged as a pressing concern. The next decade is anticipated to witness a pragmatic approach to water diplomacy in Central Asia, characterised by a foundation of close- neighbour diplomacy and mutual trust dialogues among the region's leaders. The relevance of scientific research offering clear analytical and prescriptive insights on these matters is underscored by their increasing significance in the present day. Keywords: Central Asia, water, water diplomacy, geopolitics, globalization, pragmatism, Heartland, Rimland, water resources, environmental problems. but also as the foundation of their economic practices, Introduction: Given that the 21st century signifies the daily routines, religious and secular beliefs, and even as pinnacle of human progress, the matter of our stance a subject of ecological enlightenment. towards nature, particularly water, demands significant consideration. Water, being an unparalleled element in The issue of water availability is a concern for the the natural world, serves as a crucial resource for future. The majority of water on our planet, various sectors of the economy, notably agriculture and approximately 96%, is found in the form of saltwater in industrial enterprises. Moreover, it plays a pivotal role the oceans and seas, leaving only 3% as fresh water. in upholding ecological equilibrium and meeting the Projections suggest that within the next decade, the daily requirements of individuals. reserves of freshwater worldwide could be reduced by half. Presently, 80 countries are facing a scarcity of Throughout the course of human history, it becomes fresh water, impacting around two billion individuals. evident that water has served not only as a vital Central Asia, a region characterized by a rapidly resource for quenching thirst in various historical eras, International Journal Of History And Political Sciences 13 https://theusajournals.com/index.php/ijhps International Journal Of History And Political Sciences (ISSN – 2771-2222) expanding population and limited water resources, this research will persist in the future. The topic of holds significant geopolitical importance in the context water perception is not only explored through a of water scarcity. With the global water crisis scientific lens, but also through the national literature intensifying, there is a valid basis for discussing the of various cultures, folk art examples, and traditional emergence of water geopolitics [1]. practices. In our scientific examination of water perception, we have successfully employed Throughout the centuries, the people of Central Asia methodologies including historicity, comparative have developed and refined their agricultural practices, analysis, content analysis, and evidence. including the irrigation of crops and the construction of both surface and underground irrigation systems. The examination of the literature indicates that studies Ancestors in this region were known for their efficient focusing on water-related issues are among the most use of water resources, ensuring a harmonious and prevalent, with numerous scientists worldwide prosperous existence along waterways. By managing producing scholarly research and publications in this riverbeds, digging ditches, harnessing water sources, field. growing diverse crops, and enhancing settlements, Throughout history, water has played a significant role they recognized the immense value of water as a crucial in geopolitical processes. A careful examination of blessing that promotes peace and prosperity among historical conflicts reveals that, particularly since the the various peoples of Central Asia. Middle Ages, battles have been waged over ports and In the present era of advanced human civilization, the waterways due to the expansion of trade through these demand for good health is incessantly rising. routes. N. Spykman, another influential figure in the Simultaneously, the interconnectedness of waterways field of geopolitics, has contributed to the discourse on and water sources among all nations in the Central water by presenting his own version of a geopolitical Asian region necessitates the practice of "