The Oil Curse

By Michael L. Ross,

Book cover of The Oil Curse: How Petroleum Wealth Shapes the Development of Nations

Book description

Countries that are rich in petroleum have less democracy, less economic stability, and more frequent civil wars than countries without oil. What explains this oil curse? And can it be fixed? In this groundbreaking analysis, Michael L. Ross looks at how developing nations are shaped by their mineral wealth--and how…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked The Oil Curse as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

This is an academic book that might knock your socks off. Ross shows why countries with lots of oil are more likely to suffer from dictators, civil wars, and worse economies—and even why they’re worse for women than for men.

Could oil become a blessing instead of a curse in these countries? Read Ross to find out.

From Leif's list on why oil is a curse.

If you love The Oil Curse...

Ad

Book cover of Grand Old Unraveling: The Republican Party, Donald Trump, and the Rise of Authoritarianism

Grand Old Unraveling By John Kenneth White,

It didn’t begin with Donald Trump. When the Republican Party lost five straight presidential elections during the 1930s and 1940s, three things happened: (1) Republicans came to believe that presidential elections are rigged; (2) Conspiracy theories arose and were believed; and (3) The presidency was elevated to cult-like status.

Long…

Want books like The Oil Curse?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like The Oil Curse.

Browse books like The Oil Curse

Book cover of King Leopold's Ghost: A Story of Greed, Terror, and Heroism in Colonial Africa
Book cover of The Prize: The Epic Quest for Oil, Money and Power
Book cover of Poisoned Wells: The Dirty Politics of African Oil

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,585

readers submitted
so far, will you?

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in natural resources, pricing, and women?

Pricing 19 books
Women 656 books