Water diplomacy paths – An approach to recognise water diplomacy actions in shared waters

Water diplomacy is gaining increasing attention among both researchers and policy-makers. The interest understandable, given that the concept brings together themes such as shifting geopolitics, new types of water scarcity. Yet, there no common definition for actual actions typically vary across multiple tracks scales. In this article, we seek to contribute practice by introducing a step-wise Diplomacy Paths approach analysing different contexts related actions. To facilitate this, recognise five key aspects (Political; Preventive; Integrative; Cooperative; Technical) propose general diplomacy. We also discuss possible distinctions between concepts transboundary cooperation. use demonstrated with brief case studies focusing on Central Asia, Mekong Region, Finnish-Russian work builds an extensive literature review comparative analysis approaches well series workshops interviews selected actors, including career diplomats. suggested envisions ways forward through four main steps: 1) identification actors; 2) current state, 3) recognition (undesired) drivers scenarios; 4) see has potential support processes help distinction it makes water- diplomacy-focused activities its consideration tensions Such characteristics emphasise complementarity have more traditional cooperation arrangements. argue practical provides example future foreign policy diplomacy, where shared waters likely be importance.