ABSTRACT
Multilateral cooperation on hydroelectric dams in the Ganges–Brahmaputra–Meghna (GBM) basin has been suggested by a number of academic studies as an economically viable and environmentally friendly solution to the chronic energy insecurity of South Asian countries. Despite recent efforts to rejuvenate subregional cooperation on hydroelectric projects, interviews with policymakers in India, Bangladesh and Nepal have revealed that significant obstacles exist towards the realisation of these projects, key among which are environmental issues that are often related to political challenges. Using data collected from fieldwork in three South Asian countries, this chapter argues that an environmental peacebuilding approach can adequately resolve some of the impediments to the realisation of the proposed hydroelectric projects in the GBM basin. Such an approach can also reduce regional conflicts and incentivise integration. To this effect, the chapter attempts to invigorate innovative policies by outlining a framework for cooperation on hydroelectric projects, which is underpinned by environmental peacebuilding mechanisms. The chapter also contributes to existing literature on environmental peacebuilding by analysing how hegemonic dominance can be a significant obstruction to the wider conceptualisation of peace and how such obstacles can be overcome.
