Abstract

Why is armed civil conflict more common in resource-dependent countries than in others? This chapter examines how rebel access to natural resources affects conflict. Using data on gemstone and hydrocarbon localities throughout the world and controlling for the spatial and temporal overlap of resources and conflict, results indicate that when resources are located inside the actual conflict zone, the duration of conflict is doubled. Interestingly, oil and gas reserves have this effect on duration regardless of production status. In addition, a country-level analysis suggests that onshore oil production increases the risk of conflict onset; offshore production has no effect on onset. These results support the assertion that natural resources play a central role in armed civil conflicts by providing incentives and opportunities for rebel groups.