Climate security narratives in transboundary river basins: the discursive politics of the Helmand River Basin

Climate security has moved from a marginal environmental concern to a central issue in politics, particularly in transboundary river basins. This study examines how competing climate security narratives are constructed and mobilised in hydropolitical interactions in the transboundary Helmand River Basin. Rather than simply reflecting hydrological or climatic realities, these narratives reveal discursive struggles over responsibility, policy priorities, and governance. Building on critical securitisation scholarship, the paper adapts and extends a framework of climate security discourse to the Helmand context. Based on a qualitative, interpretive analysis of official statements, media reports, and diplomatic documents, it shows that Afghan actors describe drought and climate variability as existential threats, while Iranian discourse emphasises governance failures, treaty obligations, and upstream hydraulic missions. These competing narratives shape hydropolitical interactions, water policies, and prospects for cooperation. The findings suggest that reframing climate security debates around accountability, transparency, and shared governance can foster trust and support cooperation.