Water problem in international relations is one of the most discussed since the second half of the last century. The greatest contradictions in this area are expected in the Greater Mekong subregion. As a result, the expert community even expressed an opinion about a new threat to international security in Southeast Asia. However, the basin countries are strengthening interaction with each other. The article contains an analysis of the state and prospects for the development of interstate cooperation on the Mekong River. The article notes a common interest in the development of hydropower and joint management of water resources, which stimulates integration processes and reduces tensions in the subregion. As a result, it is concluded that countries will cooperate with each other rather than conflict.

The problem of water resources in international relations is one of the most discussed since the second half of the last century. Since the mid-1960s, water consumption in the world has more than doubled and continues to grow. This makes fresh water one of the most important factors influencing the international and domestic political situation. In the Greater Mekong subregion, this problem is already one of the main ones. The main reasons for this are rapid economic and demographic growth, as well as changing climatic conditions. The situation is complicated by the geopolitical significance of the region, which makes it a place of struggle for influence from global and regional players.   The paper notes the role of the Mekong River in the economy of the countries of the subregion, because the contradictions between them are the main cause of international processes related to the river. The author also noted the influence on the situation from the leading world powers and the possibility of smoothing the problem from Russia.