29 Apr 2013    Working Papers
Yorke, Valerie


Politics matter: Jordan’s path to water security lies through political reforms and regional cooperation

Politics matter: Jordan’s path to water security lies through political reforms and regional cooperation

NCCR Trade Regulation Working Paper No. 2013/19, authored by Valerie Yorke.

Jordan faces a deepening water crisis, exacerbated by climate change, regional conflict, immigration, and poor governance. Its people are among the most water-deprived worldwide. Addressing how Jordan’s water challenge might be dealt with at national, regional and international levels, the study focuses on politics. Analysis shows the crisis is linked to a wider problem – the organisation of political power: An evolving political bargain between Throne and people, underpinned by patronage, permitted powerful anti-reformists to influence policymaking, especially over water resources. Jordan’s political transition now provides unprecedented opportunity for the country to prioritise strategically-important water issues. If a path to water sustainability is to be found, a nationwide, coordinated approach to parallel political and water reforms combined with imaginative regional diplomacy over shared and new supplies will be indispensable. The study offers policy recommendations.

NCCR Trade Regulation Working Paper No. 2013/19