Central Asia, historically characterized as a water "hot spot" due to its geographical positioning, arid climate, and dynamic population shifts, has long grappled with water-related complexities, particularly in the aftermath of its post-Soviet transformations. The dissolution of the unified economic system in 1991 prompted newly independent states to establish individual national water management frameworks, significantly altering joint planning, allocation, and management of water resources. In response, the five newly formed Central Asian countries established the Interstate Coordination Water Commission (ICWC) in 1992 to oversee regional water management, initially adhering to Soviet-era water allocation principles. However, dissatisfaction with these arrangements led to a hydro-political deadlock driven by divergent economic pressures and development strategies among Central Asian countries.
