Water (In)security in the South Caucasus: The Case of the Aras River and its Challenges

As the Dutch have long understood, water management is much alike a Sisyphean task: a continuous struggle against a potentially devastating force of nature that is essential for life. In the South Caucasus, this struggle is not just about holding back water but also about finding enough of it, as Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia grapple with growing pressures on water demand and supply. Despite this, the region lacks a coherent, multilateral water management strategy. This article examines the Aras River, focusing on the key challenges of pollution, climate change, and the expansion of infrastructure projects. These issues are exacerbated by the absence of an overarching legal framework, making effective management difficult. The article concludes by exploring potential avenues for cooperation.