This book investigates the legal framework governing the non-navigational use of international watercourses amidst rising global demand for finite freshwater resources. Stephen C. McCaffrey, a distinguished scholar in international water law, utilizes the 1997 United Nations Convention as a primary anchor for his analysis. He synthesizes historical case law, state practice, and procedural obligations to provide a comprehensive legal structure for resolving transboundary water disputes. The work serves as a definitive guide for understanding the rights and duties of states sharing international river systems.

Legal scholars and practitioners frequently cite this monograph as a foundational text for understanding the complexities of transboundary water governance. Experts highlight the academic rigor and the clarity with which the author navigates the intersection of treaty law and customary international practice.