Examining the Role of Natural Resources in Conflicts on Three Continents

Abstract : Looking back over the past 60 years, at least 40 percent of all intrastate conflicts can be associated with natural resources (UNEP, 2009.) In the 21st Century, the security of nations will depend increasingly on the security of natural resources or natural security. (Center for New American Security, 2010). More than 220 practitioners, researchers, and decision makers from 40 countries are developing 150 case studies and thematic analyses examining specific experiences and identifying lessons. In 2011, Earthscan will publish these case studies and analyses in a series of six edited books addressing the following: (1) High-Value Natural Resources and Post-Conflict Peacebuilding; (2) Land and Post-Conflict Peacebuilding; (3) Water and Post-Conflict Peacebuilding; (4) Livelihoods, Natural Resources, and Post-Conflict Peacebuilding; (5) Assessing and Restoring Natural Resources in Post-Conflict Peacebuilding; and (6) Governance, Natural Resources, and Post-Conflict Peacebuilding. The case studies and analyses will total approximately 3,000 pages, representing a diversity of resources, countries, post-conflict contexts, peacebuilding objectives, and outcomes. An overarching synthesis volume will highlight the lessons learned from the six edited volumes and place them in the context of the broader literature and experience. Approximately 300 pages, the synthesis volume is structured around peacebuilding activities such as security, livelihoods and economic recovery, basic services, and governance and rule of law. Cambridge University Press will publish the synthesis volume in 2011. Study Locations: Sierra Leone, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Philippines, and Liberia. Forthcoming publication: Strengthening Post-Conflict Peacebuilding through Natural Resource Management.