Emerging economies taking advantage of mineral and petroleum wealth often face corruption and conflict rather than benefit from sustainable development. This resource curse can be obviated, CFR Fellow Terra Lawson-Remer argues, if capital-exporting countries, banks, and corporations insist on transparency.
See more in Environmental Policy; Minerals and Rare Earth Elements; Global
The U.S. move to launch a case against China at the WTO over its cap on exporting rare earth metals is the latest international effort to hold China accountable to international trade standards, explains CFR's Elizabeth Economy.
See more in China; United States; Trade; Minerals and Rare Earth Elements
A new spotlight on mineral wealth has spurred debate on the prospects for rescuing Afghanistan's feeble economy. The country's minister of mines and two World Bank experts discuss how to manage Afghan resources.
See more in Afghanistan; Economic Development; Minerals and Rare Earth Elements
New York Time's Donald McNeil Jr. discusses the implications of the discovery of potentially $1 trillion worth of minerals in Afghanistan on its future and susceptibility to falling under the "resource curse," based on the background and history of similar countries.
See more in Afghanistan; Minerals and Rare Earth Elements
Amity Shlaes argues that the discovery of $1 trillion in natural resources in Afghanistan might actually escalate the conflict.
See more in Minerals and Rare Earth Elements; Afghanistan
Correspondent Kira Kay reports on a Canadian hunt for "rare earth" minerals, elements mined almost exclusively in China, that are key to emerging green technologies, cell phones, engines and other high-tech devices despite their short supply.
See more in China; Minerals and Rare Earth Elements
Peru has avoided the development problems seen in other extraction-dependent economies, but experts say the country faces governance hurdles, especially on the environment.
See more in Peru; Forests and Land Management; Minerals and Rare Earth Elements
This strategic paper published by the Enough Project offers a comprehensive strategy to end the trade of Congo's conflict minerals.
See more in Congo, Democratic Republic of; Minerals and Rare Earth Elements
Rising commodity prices have boosted mining profits, bringing windfalls to some regions and raising the possibility of large-scale industry consolidation.
See more in Minerals and Rare Earth Elements; Global
Central Asian expert Morris Rossabi says political turmoil in Mongolia shows the fledgling democracy is beset with socioeconomic problems, making it risky for foreign investors.
See more in Mongolia; Minerals and Rare Earth Elements
Botswana’s President Festus G. Mogae speaks with CFR members about the use of diamonds in development and the problem of HIV/AIDS in his country.
See more in Botswana; Minerals and Rare Earth Elements; Economic Development
Listen to Botswana President Festus G. Mogae discuss how diamond production has shaped the country's economy and development.
See more in Economic Development; Botswana; Minerals and Rare Earth Elements
Watch Botswana President Festus G. Mogae discuss how diamond production has shaped the country's economy and development.
See more in Economic Development; Botswana; Minerals and Rare Earth Elements
See more in Africa (sub-Saharan); Minerals and Rare Earth Elements
Will the Obama administration show a greater interest in Africa in the second term?
The Future of U.S. Special Operations Forces
Special operations play a critical role in how the United States confronts irregular threats, but to have long-term strategic impact, the author argues, numerous shortfalls must be addressed.
Reforming U.S. Drone Strike Policies
The author analyzes the potentially serious consequences, both at home and abroad, of a lightly overseen drone program and makes recommendations for improving its governance.
Pathways to Freedom
An authoritative and accessible look at what countries must do to build durable and prosperous democracies—and what the United States and others can do to help. More
The Power Surge
A groundbreaking analysis of what the changes in American energy mean for the economy, national security, and the environment. More
Two Nations Indivisible
Through an in-depth analysis of modern Mexico, Shannon O'Neil provides a roadmap for the United States' greatest overlooked foreign policy challenge of our time—relations with its southern neighbor. More
