Publication

This paper investigates the likelihood of natural resource abundance in Mozambique leading to greater violence in the country. To do this, it examines theories on natural resource abundance and conflict and identifies possible indicators of conflict in the country. These include its history of violence and political party dynamics; its geography and levels of poverty and inequality; expectations of the population; corruption; and the cost of extraction. The author argues that although it is likely that pockets of violence will develop Mozambique, the government can act to avoid some of the more negative outcomes associated with resource abundance.