Waterdiplomatie as a Dutch niche (P002)

Water Diplomacy: A Niche for the Netherlands?
Conflicts concerning freshwater resources are prompted by both physical and political grounds. Just as mitigating conflicts plays a central role in diplomacy in general, resolving and preventing water conflicts is a main goal of water diplomacy.   Not only states that share a transboundary water resource engage in water diplomacy. Many other international organisations, states and non-state actors try to assist in water conflict resolution and prevention.

The final report touches upon the latter perspective. It examines the potential of water diplomacy for Dutch foreign policy as well as how involved actors can increase this potential. In short, transboundary water conflict prevention is argued to be a promising foreign policy niche for the Netherlands.  After a six-month study into water diplomacy in cooperation with the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and the Water Governance Centre, the Clingendael Diplomatic Studies Programme finished her final report with policy recommendations.

The report is available for download now.