Literature suggests a linkage between internationally shared water resources and conflict potential. The above authors examine transboundary water resource management in southern Africa, showing that empirical evidence indicates a propensity to cooperation. They use the Hydropolitical Complex concept to explain why states might choose cooperation over conflict where a critical shared resource could limit future development potential. Keywords: Hydropolitical complex, Water wars, Southern African Development Community, SADC, River basin management, River basins, Water conflict.