In what ways do natural resources influence the dynamics of armed conflicts?

Abstract

peer reviewedNatural resources have a determinant role in conflicts. Natural resources can in fact motivate the initiation, duration, or finalisation of a conflict. By analysing the most representative civil conflicts in African countries after the Cold War, this essay explores the role of resources in each phase of the conflict. The essay looks specifically at the role of natural resources in the initiation, escalation, deescalation and cessation of conflicts (Jeong, 2008). It is concluded that resources can: motivate and shape the type of conflict taking place, determine the duration and intensity of the conflict, influence the peace and reconstruction processes after the end of the conflict