Spatial hydropolitics between the upstream and the downstream states - A case study of the state, territory and identity formation of the Rogun HPP

Abstract: By using the variables politics of scale, politics of position and politics of place, the dispute concerning the hydropower plant Rogun between the upstream country of Tajikistan and the downstream country of Uzbekistan can be explained from three spatial angels. The Rogun dates back to the Soviet era and under recent times the relations between Tajikistan and Uzbekistan have become tense since Rogun can bring significant development changes. This case study explores the effects and consequences in the political and environmental discourse concerning the Rogun. The research questions will be based on the concept of sustainability and transboundary water management. The indicators state, territory and identity will be used to explain how the discourse is being portrayed. The research findings show a highly politicised discourse that has contributed to Rogun being framed differently depending upon what kind of concerns are being presented on the national scale between Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.