THE ROLE OF ISSUE LINKAGE IN MANAGING NONCOOPERATING BASINS: THE CASE OF THE MEKONG

摘要: The Mekong River (MR) is the major water source in Southeast Asia, sharedby six countries. There a rush, by riparian states, to acquire sources of alternative energy and other benefits meet growing demands for energy. China Myanmar have refused cooperate fully MR Forum, leading increase risks within region. Development resources Basin subject intense debate both region internationally. This paper investigates concept issue linkage resolve unidirectional externalities MR. Using linked games, shows that downstream nations can consider use as form side payment achieving basin-wide agreement. While this approach supports Integrated Water Resource Management-based Strategy adopted Commission April 2011 managing region's sustainability development, facts on ground suggest traditional issues be may not sufficient. addresses observation suggests cadre issues, including nontraditional ones, analyzed future work.