Publication

This paper examines natural resource negotiations in peace talks and constitutional drafting processes. The authors argue that natural resources can be a major cause of internal strife if mismanaged or shared unfairly. According to them, this is especially the case in divided societies where the uneven geographic distribution of natural resources corresponds to ethnic or religious divides. They explore the challenge of balancing tensions that arise between strong local feelings of ownership over 'their resources' against the overall importance of natural resources to national development.