Work

Natural resources and violent conflict: resource abundance, dependence, and the onset of civil wars

Year: 2009

Type: article

Abstract: In this paper we examine the claim that natural resources invite civil conflict, and challenge the main stylized facts in this literature. We find that the nature of causation between resource dependence and civil war is opposite to conventional wisdom. In particular, (i) civil war creates dependence on primary sector exports, but the reverse is not true, and (ii) resource abundance is associated with a reduced probability of the onset of war. These results are robust to a range of specifications and, considering the conflict channel, we conclude there is no reason to regard resources as a general curse to development.

Source: Oxford Economic Papers

DOI: 10.1093/oep/gpp024

Authors: Christa N. Brunnschweiler, Erwin H. Bulte

Institutions: ETH Zurich, University of Oxford, Tilburg University, Wageningen University & Research

Language: English

Topic: Natural Resources and Economic Development

Subfield: General Economics, Econometrics and Finance

Field: Economics, Econometrics and Finance

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: green