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'''High-value Natural Resources: A Blessing or a Curse for Peace?

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Recommended Citation Lujala, Päivi, and Siri Aas Rustad. "High-value Natural Resources: A Blessing or a Curse for Peace?" Sustainable Development Law & Policy 12, no. 1 (2011): 19-22, 56-57.

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high-value Natural resources: a BlessiNg or a curse for Peace?

by Päivi Lujala and Siri Aas Rustad*

InTroducTIon igh-value natural resources have the potential to promote and consolidate peace. Too often, however, they make the path to sustainable peace long and haz- ardous. Valuable resources can help to jump-start development, secure sustainable growth, raise living standards, and increase economic equality. 1 They are also an important source of for- eign currency for cash-strapped governments, can reduce depen- dence on international aid, and can support compensation and post-conflict relief for war-affected populations.2  But the prom- ise of a brighter and more peaceful future is often spoiled by deep-rooted corruption and patronage, which confer benefits on small groups rather than on the population as a whole, and by shortsighted management of the resources and the revenues they generate.3 In addition, the mere presence of high-value resources can jeopardize peace if the resources become the focus of vio- lent disputes or provide financing for groups that seek to ignite (or resume) armed conflict.

Figure 1. The Economic Role of the Extractive Sector in Selected Post-Conflict and Conflict-Affected Countries12