Water has been dubbed the "oil of the 21st century" because of its increasing global scarcity. In Southeast Asia, water resources have been strained by the greater demand from different sectors such as agriculture, industry and domestic users. This situation is only likely to worsen in the future if active measures are not taken now. Is there a standard framework that can be adopted to promote cooperation in the use of water among countries? Could clearer institutions in river basins provide the backdrop for a more effective water management strategy in Southeast Asia?...