Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis and the Eristic-Dialectical Model for Conflict Resolution in Transboundary Water Resources Management

Abstract Transboundary water resources management (TWRM) indicates how countries use natural water resources shared across their political borders. A historical review shows that the relationship between humans and nature combines conflict with cooperation. This contradiction is “dialectical” because it can be resolved by exchanging logical arguments. It has emerged historically as a balance of power between humans and nature in three clusters: (a) naturalistic, (b) dualistic, and (c) anthropocentric. TWRM creates multiple types of conflicts between (1) water users inside the state borders, (2) riparian countries that can lead to international disputes, and (3) water stakeholders and the laws of nature. For conflicts (1) and (2), a multi-criteria decision analysis is suggested as a conflict resolution support model. For conflict (3), the eristic-dialectical model can lead to a harmonic symbiosis between humans and nature. The two models are illustrated in the Mesta/Nestos River, shared between Greece and Bulgaria.