Abstract: The article focuses on consideration of the Turkish-Syrian conflict on the Euphrates transboundary river. The author analyses main reasons for the formation and development of interstate contradictions on water-share in the context of general political instability in the region. Turkey (has the largest reserves of fresh water) in desires for regional hegemony and uses water as a strategic tool of political pressure on the downstream States suffering from severe water shortage. The author reveals the degree of effectiveness of the concluded agreements and other interstate regulatory legal acts on use of the regional waters of the Euphrates river basin. The article applies a historical-political method for studying the water conflict in historical dynamics. Event-analysis and case-study methods contributed to the analysis of the formation and development of the conflict of interests of Turkey and Syria in the distribution and use of transboundary water resources. The article concludes that the conflict with regard to the water sharing regime of the Euphrates River in the near future is to grow due to an increase of the anthropogenic pressure on the water resources, a climate change that contributes to reduction of the available fresh water for the needs of irrigated agriculture, economic development of the countries of the river basin and human life activity. The lack of political will among the leaders of the neighbouring countries, prevalence of national interests over regional ones do not help to solve the water problem and threaten the political stability in the region.

Abstract: The article explores the inter-State relations between the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and the Central Asian countries on the matter of sharing waters of the Amu Darya transboundary river  It considers the dynamics of the development of water sharing relations between Afghanistan and Central Asia starting from the end of the 19th century to the present.  The article analyses scenarios of the situation development in case of inclusion of Afghanistan into the processes of water management of transboundary resources as well as a potential for the conflict of interests in shared use of the Amudarya waters between the downstream States and its impact on the internal political situation in the Central Asian region.  Historical-political method is applied to consider the dynamics of water relations development; event-analysis is used to study the situation with regard to inter-State relations, and analogy method - to predict possible scenarios of the development of situation in the Central Asian region. The author comes to the conclusion that the involvement of Afghanistan in resolving water problems of the Central Asian region can lead to aggravation of political relations between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, the downstream States on the matter of sharing waters of the Amu Darya transboundary river.  In view of the USA efforts to dominate in addressing water sharing issues between Afghanistan and the Central Asian republics, it is predicted that the situation in the region will be destabilized.  The article deems it appropriate to involve Russia into the negotiation processes on water issues of Afghanistan - Central Asia in order to prevent implementation of the American scenario of the so-called "Central Asian Spring". 

Abstract: The article studies interstate contradictions caused by the use of transborder water resources in the Tigris River basin in the context of arid climate and the maldistribution of resources. In the context of hydrotechnic projects realization in the river basin, the author analyzes the development of the conflict of interests between littoral states based on the distribution of regional water resources. The article considers the dynamics of development of relations between Turkey (the head river state) and the states on the middle (Syria) and the lower course (Iraq, Iran), and Turkey’s policy aimed at the realization of large scale water projects on the Tigris River. The author notes that regional water resources serve both as a political pressure instrument and a military instrument.
The author applies the method of history and political science, the comparative method, component analysis and event-analysis to study the dynamics of development of water relations in the Tigris River basin. The author concludes that the addition of water contradictions to the ethno-confessional ones, territorial contradictions, Turkey’s egoistic water policy, along with the absence of multilateral basin agreement, lead to the worsening of political situation in the region. With account for a tense military and political situation, these factors can “explode” the region and destabilize the neighboring post-Soviet states. 

Abstract: The paper considers the new tactics of the U.S. foreign policy strategy in relation to Central Asian states in the context of the change of the international geopolitical situation and the strengthening of Russia’s position on the global scene. The research subject is the influence of the American geopolitical strategy on the condition and development of state-to-state relations of the U.S. and Central Asian states and political stability in this region. The author evaluates the American tactics of “nonpublic diplomacy” and the new form of state-to-state interaction between the United States and Central Asia. The author applies the system-functional approach and event-analysis of foreign policy activities of the Unites States in Central Asia. The author concludes that the U.S. are aspiring to strengthen their positions in Central Asia, offering the states the new format of international interaction. Taking into account the increased strategic importance of Central Asian region and the successes of Russia’s diplomacy and the increase of Russia’s political influence in the world, the United States consider Central Asia as a strategically important region for implementing their national interests. 

Abstract: This article explores the possibility for formation of global fresh water market. For this purpose an analysis of international water agreements executed on the regional level is being conducted. The growing deficit of fresh water forces countries that experience issues with water availability to make water deals with countries that possess sufficient potential of water resources. The work explores the influence of the geographical factor and means of transportation (technical factor) upon the price formation in water deals. The author concludes that the fresh water market on the regional level is already actively functioning and will continue to develop. However, a large scale trade of water would unlikely receive further development in the near future, since the current international water legislation does not promote pure sale of water (i.e. sale of just water). But in a long term prospects, with growing demand for water, the currently existing groundwork of regional water market could transform into global market of fresh water.