Natural Resources and Violent Conflict - WaterWiki.net

Violent conflict can spell catastrophefor developing countries and theirneighbors, stunting and evenreversing the course of economicgrowth. Recent World Bank research on thecauses of conflict and civil war finds that thecountries most likely to be blighted by conflictare those whose economies depend heavilyon natural resources. Natural Resourcesand Violent Conflict: Options and Actionsfirst explains the links between resourcedependence and conflict and then considerswhat can be done to help reduce the risk ofcivil war in these nations.In this collection of previously unpublishedessays by experts in the field, contributorsconsider the risks of corruption, secessionistmovements, and rebel financing. They alsoconsider the roles played by government, thedevelopment community, and the country’spopulation and propose an agenda forglobal action. Focusing on what we can docollectively to diminish the likelihood ofcivil war, contributors to this volume suggestpractical approaches and policies that could beadopted by the international community—from financial and resource reportingprocedures to commodity tracking systems andenforcement techniques, including sanctions,certification requirements, and aidconditionality. A fascinating look at the resultsof important new World Bank research, thisbook represents an important addition to thedialogue on development.ISBN 0-8213-5503-1