A Social Constructivist Approach to Turkey’s Water Security

Water and water security are becoming increasingly important with their growing social, economic, political and environmental impacts. Water is essential in the continuation of nature and human generation as well as in economic development and sociopolitical stability, and it is directly linked to food security, energy security and national security. In this study, Turkey’s water security issue, with a focus on the Euphrates and Tigris Basin, is analyzed at a micro-structure using a social constructive perspective to contribute to the related literature on the international political economy. When Turkey’s water security is analyzed at the micro-structure, it is seen that identities, interests and intersubjective understandings of the actors are effective in the water security issue at the Euphrates and Tigris Basin. The analysis shows that water-related decisions should be taken independently from the intersubjective understandings, with correct communication and cooperation, due to their impact on water resources. This is crucial as the Middle East is a risky region where some external forces have geopolitical and economic interests. If communication is provided objectively toward mutual benefit and protection of water resources; misinterpretations, hence the risks of conflicts and external interventions can be prevented and water resources can be protected.