A generous endowment of natural resources should favour rapid economic and social development. The experience of countries like Angola and Iraq, however, suggests that resource wealth often proves a curse rather than a blessing. Billions of dollars from resource exploitation benefit repressive regimes and rebel groups, at a massive cost for local populations. This Adelphi Paper analyses the economic and political vulnerability of resource-dependent countries; assesses how resources influence the likelihood and course of conflicts; and discusses current initiatives to improve resource governance in the interest of peace. It concludes that long-term stability in resource-exporting regions will depend on their developmental outcomes, and calls for a broad reform agenda prioritising the basic needs and security of local populations.
A generous endowment of natural resources should favour rapid economic and social development. The experience of countries like Angola and Iraq, however, suggests that resource wealth often proves a curse rather than a blessing. Billions of dollars from resource exploitation benefit repressive regimes and rebel groups, at a massive cost for local populations. This Adelphi Paper analyses the economic and political vulnerability of resource-dependent countries; assesses how resources influence the likelihood and course of conflicts; and discusses current initiatives to improve resource governance in the interest of peace. It concludes that long-term stability in resource-exporting regions will depend on their developmental outcomes, and calls for a broad reform agenda prioritising the basic needs and security of local populations.
In a timely study published for the International Institute for Strategic Studies, Le Billon (geography, global issues, U. of British Columbia) examines how the misuse of resources like oil (in Iraq) and diamonds (in West Africa) has served as a curse financing war rather than an economic blessing for these countries. Control schemes such as the Kimberly Process Certification Scheme for "conflict" diamonds offer some hope. Tables summarize resource types, exploitation by rebel forces, and UN export sanctions. The book includes maps and a glossary but is not indexed. Annotation ©2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
