*5.2. International Security*

As Ikenberry emphasizes, there is now a 'crisis of transformation', in which the current world liberal order, at the top of which the US would gradually erode, and new global architecture has not yet shaped [58]. The author of this research analyzed the importance of water for military conflicts. The research findings show the necessity to conduct water diplomacy in preventing conflicts, including armed ones [16]. The reasons for the tensions that grow into armed conflicts are often social inequalities and extreme poverty. Huntjens and de Man Rens underline that the main obstacle to maintaining or restoring peace in many places around the world is the issue of lack of readiness to cooperate in shared water resources [59] (p. 10). However, Cuppari identifies tensions in finding a solution in crises over water between international organizations and national interests [60]. Moreover, Kjellén adds that this kind of tension in the emerging global order will grow [61] (p. 110). Therefore, specialists working for Strategic Foresight Group (SFG) underline that water is in many cases an inseparable element of peace processes and a part of building partnership [62]. FSG, founded in 2002, is a think tank that operates in dozens of countries on four continents. Its main area of activity is water diplomacy and international security, including those relating to global challenges.

Wolf demonstrates the global tensions related to water [44] (p. 34). Analyzing the objectives of water diplomacy in the context of world peace, Molnar et al. point to four interconnected processes—first, reconciliation, second, integrated prevention to promote peace, third, prevention and conflict resolution, and fourth, to promote peace, security, and stability. Moreover, the goal of water diplomacy is security [63]. Tignino also emphasizes that the growing shortage of freshwater can be the cause of wars. In addition, a researcher foresees a consistent reduction in freshwater availability in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region [64] (p. 649). As emphasized by Turton et al., the Euphrates, Jordan, Nile, and Tigris, which in the MENA region are the basic sources of fresh water, are of fundamental importance for the strategic development of countries located in their basins and societies [65] (p. 24).

Kupchan and Kupchan emphasize that collective security organizations are irrelevant. Moreover, they are also dangerous because states place inconsistent hope in collective security. Therefore, basing on their own national resources development in an anarchist system may increase the state's security [66] (p. 60).

Due to climate change, there is a drastic reduction in the amount of fresh water on earth. Access to this raw material is becoming a more and more prioritized goal of the security policies of many countries around the world. Therefore, one must agree that access to drinking water is a source of war. However, this challenge can also inspire closer cooperation, thanks to effective and active water diplomacy. Thus, water diplomacy will contribute to a more secure world.

#### *5.3. Global Security Architecture: Hydro-Hegemony or Anarchy?*

It is significant to identify hydro-hegemony. Menga recognizes this in the same way as the definition of classical hegemony—the dominant position over others [67] (p. 418). Tucker draws attention to the inequalities in power and the power distribution, which contribute to the international order and global security [68]. On the other hand, Waltz points out the exceptional responsibilities of great powers and their various functions resulting from them due to the diversity of societies [69] (p. 198). Therefore, the US is also active in water diplomacy and thus influences the new global security architecture [70] (p. 2). As Lake emphasizes, the envisaged system is a global hierarchy dominated by great powers, in which weaker states even sacrifice sovereignty to obtain security guarantees [71] (p. 110). Moreover, the international system is not fully anarchic. Additionally, he argues that relations between major powers, international institutions, and states are much more complex than neo-realists proclaim [72] (p. 159). Booth argues that anarchy is the best solution to current global challenges and ensures peace and security [73] (p. 540). Moreover, the same author proposes 'emancipation' as a fundamental concept relating to security, with

simultaneously inseparable elements ensuring stable security. Emancipation means freeing people from war, poverty, and oppression, offering education and freedom. To face global challenges, he proposes an anarchic global 'community of communities' that should support the founding of a stable global security architecture with emancipation as more important than power and order [73] (p. 539).

Hussein, Menga, and Greco examined SDG 6 (clean water and sanitation); 5 (gender equality); and 2 (zero hanger). Their research confirms that there are international agreements regarding water management in which a hegemonic system is visible. Therefore, they propose to reduce such contracts. Moreover, they also call for broad and deep cooperation between NGOs. However, its effectiveness can be ensured by civil society [74] (p. 7). According to this research author, different active local communities working together to face the water challenges, will provide the foundation for defining national interests and a global platform for cooperation. Despite the hegemonic system, citizens working together within NGOs increase the role of water diplomacy in conflict prevention. At the same time, it contributes to the more effective implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.

To ensure access to ever more valuable fresh water, states will strive even more to maximize power, seeking a hegemonic position, hydro-hegemony. It will have an impact on international security, both at the regional and global levels. However, water diplomacy, representing a comprehensive approach to security, can shape the global security architecture, reducing the number of military conflicts. It provides a multi-level and multi-faceted dimension and covers a wide range of actors, including active civil societies. Moreover, water diplomacy will address many aspects in the broad sense of security.
