Settlement mechanisms of international water disputes Paulo Canelas de Castro University of Macau Water conflicts are forecast to be the typical conflict of the XXI century. This is due to the perception that the competition for water resources shall accrue dramatically in the current century. While it may be doubted that this trend may necessarily materialise into growing conflicts, international cooperation being also a likely alternative, there is no doubt that the looming global and regional water crises of contemporary times render it necessary to reflect on the mechanisms available for handling and settling international water disputes, a major global governance issue of our times. The current article seeks to enlist such mechanisms and characterise them in not only theoretical terms but also in view of the experience gained in the corresponding practice. In particular, an attempt shall be made at assessing the significance of the recent wave of international water cases brought to international courts as well as the case law produced.