Private Property and the Commons: The Case Study of Water Distribution in Persian Qanats

Global governance often relies on the model of private property, rooted in natural law and codified in legal frameworks like the Napoleonic Code. However, this is not the only way to manage resources; comparative legal analysis reveals alternative models that prioritize collective action for sustainable resource protection. A case study of Persian qanats demonstrates how water distribution systems can operate effectively under commons-based governance, ensuring equitable access and preserving resources for future generations without relying solely on proprietary individualism.

Pradi, A. (2023). Private Property and the Commons: The Case Study of Water Distribution in Persian Qanats. Global Jurist, 23(3), 287–304. https://doi.org/10.1515/gj-2023-0124