Book Description
It is tempting to assume that transitions to sustainable energy systems will lead to the same kind of domestic and geopolitical dynamics that the 20th century’s scramble for hydrocarbon-based energy did. But the oil curse dynamics are not likely to translate seamlessly to critical minerals. The magnitude of rents will be smaller, and the geopolitics may be less fierce. Critical mineral-rich countries should nevertheless take proactive steps to avoid falling into the resource curse. The looming sustainable energy transition will have vast implications for both importers and exporters of legacy energy, as well as countries rich in the minerals that will fuel the transition. The 20th century’s scramble to secure oil resources led to cursed dynamics in oil-rich societies, but historical precedent is not destiny. Mineral-rich countries may avoid the resource curse, especially if they develop diverse investment and trading relationships to balance major power interests in their mineral wealth and embrace industry- and civil society–led good governance initiatives around mineral resources.