Congo's Environmental Paradox: Potential and Predation in a Land of Plenty
Publisher: International Affairs Journal
Author(s): Pádraig Carmody
Date: 2017
Topics: Conflict Causes, Extractive Resources, Land, Renewable Resources
Countries: Congo (DRC)
This is an unusual, fascinating and important book. The role of resources in the Democratic Republic of the Congo's conflict(s) has received much media and academic attention in recent decades. However, this is the first book—that I am aware of—which explicitly focuses on a wide range of Congo's resources and assesses their potential contributions to the country's development. The chapters focus on forests, food and agriculture, water, oil and mining and mineral resources.
The book is substantially different in tone from many others about the Congo. While there is often a tendency to sensationalize the country, the author takes a more balanced approach, demonstrating deep insight, engagement and knowledge. The book starts from the premise of the ‘paradox of plenty’. Congo has untold...