Transboundary Waters as an Opportunity for Cooperation: a Case Study of Impact of the Indus River on Indo-Pakistani relations

The master thesis deals with the relation between transboundary waters and cooperation and shows that the necessity for water sharing more often leads to cooperation than to conflict, even between hostile states. It discusses the causes of cooperation, its attributes, benefits and challenges that it brings. The theoretical framework of the thesis is used for the analysis of Indo-Pakistani relations, which are examined with regard to the Indus river basin. The aim of the thesis is to find out how Indus river basin influences Indo-Pakistani relations and whether it facilitates cooperation between countries. The other aim is to analyze the Indus waters treaty, identify its strengths and weaknesses and also understand the opportunities and threats. SWOT analysis was used to fulfill the aims. It enables to comprehensively evaluate the Indus waters treaty and provides an objective perspective on its functionality. SWOT analysis works with institutional, socioeconomic, politico-security, geographical and environmental factors. The results of SWOT analysis reveal a number of strengths and opportunities, especially within institutional and politico-security factors that states could use in the future to extend and deepen cooperation and to ensure stability in the region. However, weaknesses and threats that weaken and jeopardize cooperation are also identified. The treaty could be described as fully functional instrument for cooperation only if these weaknesses and threats will be eliminated. Especially impacts of climate change must be taken into account and states also should work on reduction of the mistrust and political tensions.