The Power of Water Supply In Central Asia

In this paper, we discuss:

• Why water, rather than fossil fuels or military power, remains central to Central Asia’s geopolitical stability;
• How the collapse of Soviet-era coordination intensified tensions between upstream hydropower and downstream agricultural states;
• How China, Russia, and Western powers use infrastructure investment to compete for influence across the region;
• Why major dam projects such as Rogun and Kambarata have become symbols of sovereignty as well as instruments of regional leverage;
• How climate change and glacial retreat make renewed regional cooperation increasingly important for Central Asia’s long-term stability.

Download PDF: Water – August 2026