What some refer to as a curse is a phenomenon that is known and feared far beyond the realm of natural resources: Bad policymaking.
Natural Resources
Curse or Blessing?
Key Insights
A recurring theme when it comes to natural resources is their perception as a curse or blessing for the countries that possess them. While some scholars argue that the discovery of natural resources is one of the key drivers of corruption and the weakening of democratic institutions, others even claim them as a prerequisite for economic development.
By Patrick Weimert and Theo Kaiser
01 March 2024 · 01:00 CET· Updated 16 June 2026 · 18:45 CETDOI 10.69790/epis03.66260 · Issue III
Cite this brief
Weimert, P., Kaiser, T. (2024). Natural Resources. EPIS Insight · Climate Policy & Environment.
doi.org/10.69790/epis03.66260