Trust and data sharing: exploring sources of social trust in transboundary water cooperation

Trust is often cited as a key factor enabling transboundary water cooperation, yet it remains insufficiently explored empirically. This paper explores how social trust operates and why it does not always translate into effective cooperation. Focusing on data sharing, it compares the Sava and Syrdarya basins. Through interviews and participant observation, the analysis identifies seven sources of social trust. Although these facilitate interaction, trust alone is insufficient. Its impact depends on institutional arrangements that stabilize expectations and translate trust into coordinated action.