Editorial Review: Violent conflict can spell catastrophe for developing countries and their neighbors, stunting and even reversing the course of economic growth. Recent World Bank research on the causes of conflict and civil war finds that the countries most likely to be blighted by conflict are those whose economies depend heavily on natural resources. 'Natural Resources and Violent Conflict' first explains the links between resource dependence conflict and then considers what can be done to help reduce the risk of civil war in these nations. In this collection of previously unpublished essays by experts in the field, contributors consider the risks of corruption, secessionist movements, and rebel financing. They also consider the roles played by government, the development community, and the country's population and propose an agenda for global action. Focusing on what we can do collectively to diminish the likelihood of civil war, contributors to this volume suggest practical approaches and policies that could be adopted by the international community - from financial and resource reporting procedures to commodity tracking systems and enforcement techniques, including sanctions, certification requirements, and aid conditionality. A fascinating look at the results of important new World Bank research, this book represents an important addition to the dialogue on development.
Reader Review: The book's essays study an often cruel paradox. Why do some developing countries with valuable natural resources descend into civil war? The answers are manifold, with the foremost amongst these being described here.
A prominent factor is that the resources give something to fight over. Be these diamonds, opium or oil. Mix this with the presence of different regional or ethnic groups. Then add a propensity for corruption in the central government, and have that government dominated by one group. Often, all this leads to the government's functionaries siphoning off much of the wealth derived from the resources. Leading perhaps to civil war.
The essays explore how these factors have played out in various countries; mostly in Africa. A depressing read. What is striking is how often the central government proves so reluctant to even spend some money for minimal development across all the country's regions. It's not so much that corruption exists, but the sheer level of corruption, that impoverishes the entire country.
Why I Chose This Book: I chose this book because it shows the correlation between natural resources and violent conflict which are two things not usually talked about together.
Product Info:
- Paperback: 428 pages
- Publisher: World Bank Publications (August 27, 2003)
- ISBN-10: 0821355031
- ISBN-13: 978-0821355039
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