or centuries, people have warned that the wars of the future will be fought over water.

As rivers dry and populations grow, the risk of conflict over this most vital resource seems inevitable - or is it? History paints a more complex picture.

In this episode, we explore how water scarcity has shaped relations between neighbours - from the Middle East over the past century to other regions where shared rivers have sparked both tension and cooperation.

While water can heighten existing pressures, it has also driven diplomacy, not just division.

Join David Carlin and Simon Messenger as they dive into the politics of water, uncovering why it’s often a catalyst for collaboration rather than conflict—and what that means for a drier, more interconnected future.