This publication contains a number of "think pieces" which analyze historical experiences from the distant past of prehistory to the present, and identify the means for dealing with the relative scarcity of water created by increasing demands relative to water available when and where it is needed. They also investigate the causes of the prevailing perceptions of water scarcity and the propagation of the idea that future wars will be fought about water. These studies helped in assessing the future of shared water resources and can serve as a basis for future planning.