Abstract
'Hydro-hegemony' typically refers to the power-related tactics and strategies used by stronger states in
transboundary water disputes that prioritise their access to water and compel weaker entities to submit to these
conditions. Such asymmetrical power relations also have a bearing on the nature of water governance, and thereby,
the water and human security of vulnerable water users, as detailed in the conceptual framework of this article.
Our analysis of the case of the West Bank, and more specifically the Jordan Valley, shows how Israeli control over
the region – most visibly manifested in superior weaponry along with greater economic and technological capacities
– influences the institutions of water governance as well as decision-making and implementation processes in
favour of Israel while deliberately generating water and human insecurity for Palestinians. During fieldwork in 2019,
we interviewed Palestinian water users in the Jordan Valley as well as representatives of water governance and
other related institutions in the West Bank. Their 'voices' highlight the different dimensions that lead to water
insecurity being structural, systemic, and pervasive in the daily lives of Palestinians. Their water insecurity in the
context of military occupation is linked to their overall human insecurity. As a result, Palestinians are denied not
only their right to water but potentially also their right to life.
transboundary water disputes that prioritise their access to water and compel weaker entities to submit to these
conditions. Such asymmetrical power relations also have a bearing on the nature of water governance, and thereby,
the water and human security of vulnerable water users, as detailed in the conceptual framework of this article.
Our analysis of the case of the West Bank, and more specifically the Jordan Valley, shows how Israeli control over
the region – most visibly manifested in superior weaponry along with greater economic and technological capacities
– influences the institutions of water governance as well as decision-making and implementation processes in
favour of Israel while deliberately generating water and human insecurity for Palestinians. During fieldwork in 2019,
we interviewed Palestinian water users in the Jordan Valley as well as representatives of water governance and
other related institutions in the West Bank. Their 'voices' highlight the different dimensions that lead to water
insecurity being structural, systemic, and pervasive in the daily lives of Palestinians. Their water insecurity in the
context of military occupation is linked to their overall human insecurity. As a result, Palestinians are denied not
only their right to water but potentially also their right to life.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 73-92 |
Number of pages | 20 |
Journal | Water Alternatives |
Volume | 15 |
Issue number | 1 |
Publication status | Published - 2022 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:The authors would like to thank Helen Hintjens,Gül Özerol,Mohamed Salih,Sara Sallam,and the three anonymous reviewers for their productive comments.
Publisher Copyright:
© 2022,Water Alternatives. All Rights Reserved.