Sneddon, Christopher University of Minnesota The doctoral dissertation research will examine water quality and water resource development in Thailand. The core of the research involves two case studies of water development in northeast Thailand- the Nam Pong and Lam Takhong river basins. Using a combined historical-empirical analysis of ecological and socio-economic changes with interviews focusing on water conflict, the research will assess the sustainability of past and current strategies of water resource development in the region. The data collection scheme involves interviews and archival work to reveal information about state decision making that affects resource development and resulting conflicts.