Africa and its resource curse

STORY HIGHLIGHTS In many African nations natural resources have led to economic instability Resource wealth can lead to corruption, cronyism and violence Conflicts in DR Congo, Liberia and Sierra Leone have been funded by diamonds Botswana and Ghana have largely avoided the “resource Many African countries are blessed with oil and mineral wealth that has…

Australia to be China’s zhengyou, a “true friend” who would be loyal enough to raise unpleasant truths

How to deal with a strong China? JAMES FALLOWS July 28, 2010 AUSTRALIA has three big advantages in dealing with an ever more powerful China. The trick for the next government, and its successors, will be to use the leverage these natural and induced advantages provide, while avoiding a significant pitfall Australia may be creating…