resource curse Archives

Sweet and Sour: The Curse of Oil in the Niger Delta

December 15, 2020October 28, 2013 by Michael Watts

Since it began producing oil in earnest in 1956, Nigeria has become the poster child for the environmental, social, and economic devastation that can be wrought by unfettered fossil fuel production.

Introduction to the Finance Curse

December 15, 2020September 27, 2013 by Nicholas Shaxson

A new book, The Finance Curse, argues that far from being a "golden goose", having an oversized financial sector is seriously damaging to an economy.

The resource curse, or the paradox of poverty from plenty

December 15, 2020September 23, 2013 by Nicholas Shaxson

Is finance like crude oil? Countries rich in minerals are often poverty-stricken, corrupt and violent.