The study reinforces the belief of geo-politicians that competition over, and control of, vital resources-be they oil, materials for warfare, water and sea lanes or minerals-is the main cause of conflict between states, and adds substance to that belief by attributing equal significance to the territorial control of freshwater resources as an issue of high-politics in international relations. To highlight theoretical and policy relevance it formulates a theoretical model befittingly explaining linkages between war and peace over vital water resources and explains when the rival...