Transboundary water interaction takes place at different stages of conflict and cooperation. It also often happens simultaneously at various levels and in formal and informal ways. In this module you will learn how relations between actors are influenced by geographical, political and economic asymmetries and what the main theoretical approaches to explain water conflict and cooperation, are.

This module increases your understanding and practice of, water diplomacy tools. It inspires you to be involved in related processes at various levels with various actors. It does so by (i) explaining everything you need to know on the main three tracks of water diplomacy, (ii) taking you through hands-on exercises, and (iii) assessing acquired skills needed when addressing complex water issues, in the future.

This module increases your understanding of various legal and institutional frameworks relevant to water cooperation and diplomacy. You will be able to understand, name and explain a number of legal tools and institutional arrangements whose use is pertinent to water cooperation and diplomacy.

Data exchange and joint fact finding can contribute to building trust, and information and knowledge informs transboundary water management. However, data on water resources can be protected as matter of national security which prevents data exchange. Identifying what data and information is needed to take decisions is a difficult task, and power imbalances can influence data collection, knowledge production, and narratives. This module teaches you who produces and uses data, information and knowledge, and how different actors use these to influence water cooperation.