Fuelling War: Natural Resources and Armed Conflicts

by Philippe Le Billon

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781136592942
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	06/17/2013
Series:	Adelphi series
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	128
File size:	3 MB

About the Author

Philippe Le Billon

Table of Contents

Introduction  Part 1. The resource curse  1. Economic growth collapse  2. Governance failure  3. Conflicts and violence  Part 2. Resources and armed conflicts  4. War and resource accessibility  5. Resources and types of armed conflicts  6. Influencing the course of armed conflicts  7. Implications for conflict prevention and termination  8. Addressing the resource curse  9. Ending 'resource wars'  10. Increasing corporate responsibility  11. Regulating conflict diamonds  12. Conclusion