Professional Backgrounds and Water Governance Strategies: A Case Study of Nile Basin Countries

Water security is a critical issue in the Nile Basin, where countries rely on the shared waters of the Nile River for various purposes including agriculture, industry, and domestic use. However, the resolution of water security issues in the region has been challenging due to competing interests and conflicts among the Nile Basin countries. This article aims to investigate whether there is a difference in the approach to resolving water security issues in the Nile Basin depending on the professional background of the presidents leading these countries. To conduct this research, a mixed methods approach of QCA analysis and thematic analysis are employed. The researchers analyze the approach of each president in the Nile Basin and how it affected the negotiation process or led to armed conflicts among these countries. This analysis also takes into account the use of principles and water laws to clarify the legal aspects of the water security issue. The main finding of this research is that the military and civil background of presidents does indeed have an impact on their approach to resolving water security issues in the Nile Basin, leading to varying negotiation processes and potential conflicts among countries. On the other hand, presidents with civil backgrounds tend to prioritize diplomatic negotiations and cooperation, seeking peaceful resolutions to water security issues.