Sleeping With the Enemy: Water Cooperation Between Israel and Jordan

Abstract

Jordan and Israel share a history of conflict. Despite their differences, the countries have always managed to cooperate on issues of security and water. This thesis studies the water cooperation between Jordan and Israel. It researches why Jordan and Israel, two (former) enemies, cooperate on water, and how this cooperation results in mutual securitization. To answer this research question, securitization theory is used. This thesis makes an original contribution to securitization theory. The theory primarily focuses on how a state securitizes an existential threat, whereas this thesis argues two states can also securitize together. To analyze the securitization of the water sector in the two countries, water strategies of both governments are examined. In these reports one can find justifications for cooperation. This study finds that Jordan wishes to cooperate with Israel to increase its supply, which is crucial since it is in dire need for water. Israel wants to cooperate with Jordan since it benefits from a strong and stable Jordanian state, and cooperation would help achieve its sustainability goals. Thus, through cooperation, Jordan and Israel securitize together whilst having different securitizing goals.