Mechanisms for Transboundary Dispute Resolution: A Legal-Geographical Analysis of the Plains Rivers

Abstract

Due to a lack of formal studies that make an effort to integrate both the geographical and legal aspects of conflicts over transboundary resources, this is an area ripe for investigation. Matthews (1988) has developed a conceptual framework tying together environmental issues, legal solutions, and classification of transboundary resource problems at different geographic scales. Taken as a whole, this matrix of transboundary issues and legal solutions could serve as an analytical tool for examination of environmental problems and solutions within the legal system. Comparison of similar problems at different scales, e.g., state, federal, or international, could lead to broad- based applications of successful conflict resolution options and elimination of less useful options.