Analysis of Transforming Security Through the Water Resources and Affiliated Conflicts Between 2000 and 2019: Case of Iraq, Syria and Turkey

Abstract

The aim of this study is to analyze the changing nature of water security and affiliated conflicts within the scope of security conceptualization at individual and state levels between the years 2000-2019. It was set out that water conflicts and water insecurity in Iraq, Syria and Turkey in the 20-year period after 2000 were caused by attacks to water resources and infrastructure at micro and mezzo levels, other than natural disasters such as climate change and reduced water resources. This research focuses on the water conflicts that have arisen in recent years, with some exceptions, not between states but by groups operating at regional levels. It has also been observed in recent years that terrorism-induced attacks have focused on waterways and threatens water security. The study focused on the conflicts occurring in Iraq, Syria and Turkey and the causes of these conflicts within the framework of comparative analysis method.