Assessing the value of third parties in transboundary water governance: a constructivist institutionalism perspective on the Incomati River Basin
Date
2025-01
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Taylor and Francis Group
Abstract
This paper examines the role of third parties in shaping transboundary water governance in the Incomati River Basin, focusing on the Southern African Development Community, the World Bank, China, and Brazil. The analysis explores how these actors shape power dynamics, foster cooperation, and balance regional interests with local needs. Using Constructivist Institutionalism, the paper reveal show prioritizing shared goals over individual interests fosters effective cooperation. The findings underscore the dual nature of third-party involvement; balancing power while advancing their own agendas, and demonstrate how these actors’ help states navigate complex challenges, bridge gaps and facilitate cooperation in the river basin.
Description
Keywords
Transboundary water governance, Third parties, Agency, Power, Institutions, Constructivist institutionalism, Incomati River Basin, Southern Africa
Citation
Zikhali-Nyoni, T. (2025) ‘Assessing the value of third parties in transboundary water governance: a constructivist institutionalism perspective on the Incomati River Basin’, Water International, 50(1), pp. 48–69. doi: 10.1080/02508060.2025.2451015.