POLYCENTRIC TRANSBOUNDARY WATER GOVERNANCE: LESSONS FROM THE RHINE AND DANUBE FOR CENTRAL ASIA’S INSTITUTIONAL ARCHITECTURE

Abstract

The article examines how institutional mechanisms of transboundary water governance in the Rhine and Danube basins can inform improvements in Central Asian water cooperation without mechanically transplanting European organizational models. The theoretical framework combines polycentric governance with multi-level governance. Polycentricity is operationalized through the presence of multiple relatively autonomous decision centres, functional differentiation of competences, stable vertical and horizontal coordination, joint production of information, and feedback between regional decisions and national implementation. The study uses a qualitative structured comparison of two institutionally mature but distinct basin regimes. Transferability is assessed according to compatibility with Central Asia's existing institutional architecture, requirements for sovereign authority, dependence on supranational law, and administrative feasibility. The analysis finds high transferability for permanent expert and technical coordination, compatible monitoring, formalized data-exchange procedures, and clearer links between regional decisions and national implementers. Mechanisms requiring substantial cross-sectoral or legal adaptation have limited transferability, while elements directly dependent on the EU's supranational legal environment have low applicability. The study's scientific contribution lies in shifting the comparison from organizational forms to the conditions under which specific institutional functions and procedures can be selectively adapted.

Funding: The article was prepared within the framework of the grant-funded project of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, AP26103599, “Challenges and Opportunities for Regional Cooperation in Sustainable Water Resources Management in Central Asia.”