ABSTRACT
Waters that cross international boundaries pose added challenges to water management; yet, despite this factor, countries find it more beneficial to cooperate over water rather than contest. Critical lessons learned from international water resource issues are provided, along with future considerations to reconceptualizing shared waters; addressing power imbalances; broadening what defines a shared water actor; and addressing inequities, such as gender. Regardless of the level of water diplomacy, the need for engaging in good discourse toward social and ecological transformation is emphasized, so that water fosters cooperative and sustainable outcomes for a widening group of stakeholders.
