What explains governing choices managing river restoration, including the choice not to restore the river? One answer to this question is to say that the policy and social dimension is a critical factor. However, this category is very broad, offering little specific guidance for research. In response, our aim in this chapter is to propose a new way of un-packing this dimension into a set of research questions paying greater attention to 'interdependency' in restoration governing practice. Three main types of interdependencies are highlighted: regulatory interdependencies, territorial interdependencies and knowledge interdependencies. In order to illustrate our argument, we have re-read the main results of a number of published case studies through the lens of our 'interdependency' framework. We have also provided a blueprint for a case study on the politics of interdependencies governing restoration of the Ciron river in France. We conclude by inviting reflection upon a number of points in relation to river restoration which emerge logically from our 'interdependency' framework.