Water will be a root-cause or catalyst of conflicts. As a result, the Netherlands Armed Forces and its partners will be confronted with water issues in stabilisation operations. Consequently, a policy framework how to apply water management as a de-escalating, conflict prevention and resolution instrument in stabilisation operations is regarded essential by the Netherlands Army Corps of Engineers. However, an integrated and comprehensive policy framework which applies water management and water diplomacy as a development and peace instrument tailored for application in the complex and dynamic environment of stabilisation operations, did not yet exist. By means of this MSc thesis research the desired new policy framework is developed. As a result, the new policy framework will help the Netherlands Armed Forces including its military and non-military partners to conduct better stabilisation- and crisis management operations.