Scenarios about 'resource curse'
The economic paradox where countries rich in natural resources often experience slower economic growth, less democracy, and worse development outcomes than resource-poor nations. This phenomenon typically manifests through currency appreciation, economic volatility, government corruption, and reduced incentives for institutional improvement or economic diversification. In alternate history scenarios, different management of resource wealth can fundamentally alter national development trajectories and geopolitical power dynamics.
What If Almaty Diversified Beyond Resources Earlier?
Exploring the alternate timeline where Kazakhstan's largest city developed a diversified economy before the dissolution of the Soviet Union, potentially transforming Central Asia's economic landscape and geopolitical significance.
What If Kuala Lumpur Diversified Beyond Resource Extraction Earlier?
Exploring the alternate timeline where Malaysia's economic diversification began decades earlier, potentially transforming Southeast Asia's economic landscape and geopolitical influence.
What If Luanda Diversified Beyond Oil Earlier?
Exploring the alternate timeline where Angola's capital initiated economic diversification away from petroleum dependence in the 1990s, potentially transforming the country's development trajectory and regional influence.
What If Lusaka Diversified Beyond Copper Earlier?
Exploring the alternate timeline where Zambia successfully diversified its economy away from copper dependency in the 1970s, potentially transforming the nation's economic trajectory and political stability in Southern Africa.
What If Norway Diversified Beyond Oil Earlier?
Exploring the alternate timeline where Norway strategically diversified its economy away from petroleum dependence decades before the climate crisis, potentially creating a different model for resource-rich nations.
What If Perth Diversified Beyond Mining Earlier?
Exploring the alternate timeline where Western Australia's capital developed a more diversified economy decades before the mining boom, fundamentally reshaping Australia's economic geography and global position.