Fuelling war
Subtitle: natural resources and armed conflict
By: Philippe Le Billon
Contributors: International Institute for Strategic Studies
Series: Adelphi paper -- 373; Adelphi papers -- no. 373
Publisher: Routledge for the International Institute for Strategic Studies, London
Published: 2005
Place of publication: Abingdon, Oxon; New York
Language: eng
Number of pages: 92
Subjects: Natural resources; War -- Economic aspects
Description: 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
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. [85]-92)
Table of contents: title: The resource curse. Iraq and the resource curse ; The collapse of economic growth ; Governance failure ; Resources, governance failure and identity in Nigeria ; Conflicts and violence; title: Resources and armed conflicts. War and resource accessibility ; Resources and types of armed conflicts ; Influencing the course of armed conflicts; title: Implications for conflict prevention and termination. Addressing the resource curse ; Ending resource wars ; Increasing corporate responsibility ; Regulating conflict diamonds