Globalized Water presents a compilation of voices that forms a unique scientific exploration of contemporary water management models and governance issues. The book describes the water paradox-how a local resource has become a global product-and the implications of this in how we identify challenges and make policy in the water sector. Over the last 20 years, the foundations of local and national water systems have been rocked by a wave of changes. The authors in this book, experts in a wide range of disciplines, address the resulting debates and issues: water as a commodity and patrimony, technological rent, liberalization and privatization, the continuing evolution of water management and policy at the European level, decision making and stakeholder participation, conflict and consensus, and the inevitable growth of counterpowers at the local and international levels, promoted by the advocates of sustainable development. The selected case studies are from Europe (primarily France but also Spain, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Portugal), Latin America (Argentina, Bolivia), the United States, Lebanon, and India. From this diverse collection of comparative perspectives and research methods, Globalized Water seeks to advance interdisciplinary research, contributing to a new and dynamic role for social sciences and governance on water.

Graciela Schneier-Madanes is professor emerita at the National Center for Scientific Research (Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, CNRS) in France. She is a social science expert in urban geography and planning, with a focus on water governance. She has served as director of CNRS 'rés-EAU-ville' (Urban Water Research Network), founding director of the Joint International Unit on Water, Environment and Public Policy with the University of Arizona were she led a team of scientists that was awarded the first European Commission International Cooperation (INCO) program in the U.S., Sustainable Water ActioN (SWAN). Schneier-Madanes divides her time among academic hubs in France, the U.S., and Argentina, maintaining formal connections with universities and research centers in Europe, Latin America, and China. She has published extensively as both an author and editor and serves as an expert for governmental institutions and private companies. E-mail: graciela.schneier@univ-paris3.fr Web: www.schneier-madanes.com