Hydrodiplomacy: The Case of Post-Independence Namibia

We examine transboundary water diplomacy from a practitioner perspective using Namibia as a case study. Transboundary water diplomacy is by nature political and subject to politics, despite the pragmatism in establishing transboundary technical commissions. Diplomacy manifests as hard and soft power. Namibia is a good example of these power dynamics. We identified a military pillar in transboundary water diplomacy immediately after independence (Kasikili/Sedudu Island dispute) and the establishment of technical commissions indicating pragmatic mechanisms for peaceful and sustainable solutions (e.g., Permanent Okavango River Basin Water Commission [OKACOM]). Namibia followed a pragmatic approach, in which the practitioner played a central role, to build long-term relationships with its riparian neighbors.