메콩유역의 수력발전개발: 하이드로-헤게모니 방식을 통한 분석을 중심으로

Abstract

The study evaluates the complexity of the relationship between the five states in the Mekong River Basin – China, and the four lower riparian countries, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia - since the mid-1990s with special reference to hydropower development. Particular attention is paid to China, the upstream country in the basin, which has pushed forward its dam projects since the late 1980s without adequate consultations with the other riparian states. As an analytical framework, the hydro-hegemony theory is deployed to analyze the interactions between the riparian states together with discussion of the different types of benefit sharing that delineates the way China has changed its behaviors towards the four riparian states. The on-going construction of the Chinese dams in the upper basin appears to have far-reaching impacts on the lower basin, such as a remarkable drop in fish yields, a reduction in crop production, and serious damage to the river’s ecosystems. China has refused to participate in the framework of the Mekong River Commission but has recently attempted to improve relationships with the other riparian states for its economic gains. This implies that the hegemon in the Mekong area gradually adopts the cooperative mode rather than ignoring the other riparian states’ demands for benefit sharing. The major discourse on hydropower development for economic development can facilitate more conversations between the riparian states for future cooperation. The establishment of a new form of cooperation between the riparian countries hinges upon how to pursue economic development together with developing water resources and nonwater resources.