Natural Resources Readings
Lawyering Peace: Natural Resources Chapter
This chapter of the Lawyering Peace book first sets forth and discusses the puzzle of whether and how to allocate the ownership, management and associated revenue of natural resources in a manner that promotes durable peace. The chapter then outlines the basic legal framework states have used to govern the allocation of the ownership, management, and associated revenue of natural resources. Next, the chapter provides an overview of the recent key peace agreements addressing extractive resources. The chapter then turns to a discussion of how the parties have managed the conundrums they face when seeking to solve the puzzle.
video summary
Watch the video summary of the Natural Resources Chapter of the Lawyering Peace book HERE.
Micro-Skills Exercise
Click HERE to access the micro-skills exercise on natural resource management for peace in Sudan.
Mini-Negotiation Simulation: Myanmar
The purpose of this negotiation is to identify and address the complex challenges related to negotiating the ownership, management, and equitable revenue distribution of jade resources in Myanmar, while delving into the historical context and conflicts associated with the jade trade. The intention is to explore potential points of agreement or disagreement among the key negotiating parties. Through the simulation, participants will debate their positions, learn negotiation techniques, identify points of conflict, and discuss potential solutions.
The simulation will tee up the conversation in the remainder of the class time on the question of negotiating the ownership and management of natural resources, and draw from the relevant chapter in Lawyering Peace as well as the supplementary material, if any, provided on the class website.
The history of jade mining in Myanmar is marked by its deep cultural significance, economic importance, and conflicts arising from its trade. For centuries, jade has held immense spiritual and cultural value in Burmese society, symbolizing purity, prosperity, and longevity. However, the modern jade industry has been marred by controversies, often stemming from issues of governance, resource management, and equitable distribution of profits. The country's jade mines, primarily concentrated in the northern regions, have been sources of conflict due to the complex interplay of interests among various stakeholders, including the central government, ethnic armed groups, and local communities. These conflicts have been exacerbated by allegations of corruption, illegal mining, and human rights abuses. Deadly landslides and environmental degradation have also been unfortunate consequences of unregulated jade mining practices. The clashes over control, ownership, and revenue sharing have led to tensions and violence, underscoring the need for comprehensive negotiations to address these contentious issues and ensure the sustainable and equitable management of Myanmar's jade resources.
Click here to access the mini simulation on natural resources in Myanmar.
Professional Development
PODCAST: HOW TO ENHANCE YOUR PROFESSIONAL IMAGE THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA
Listen to the podcast on how to enhance your professional image through social media HERE.
HARVARD BUSINESS REVIEW: MOMENTS OF GREATNESS
Read the HBR Moments of Greatness HERE.
Podcast: Alumni in Excellence: Amjad Atallah
Listen to a podcast about Amjad Atallah HERE.
Podcast: Lawyering Peace Podcast: Matthew Simpson
Listen to a podcast on the 2011 Doha Peace Negotiations HERE.
Additional Optional Material
Readings
Negotiating Natural Resources for Peace: Ownership, Control and Wealth-sharing
Natural resources (such as oil, natural gas, diamonds, minerals, forests and water) are often a major source of national income, and are also a major cause of conflict and instability if mismanaged or shared unfairly. Countries with weak institutions often struggle to handle the potentially destructive force of corruption and attempts by various actors to capture the wealth generated by natural resources. The governance of natural resources is especially important in the context of divided societies because control over the benefits from local natural resources is often a chief motivator of ethnic or identity-based conflicts. This briefing paper discusses how to negotiate ownership, control, and wealth-sharing in the context of peace agreements.
Decision Tree
Wealth and Resource Sharing Decision Tree
This decision tree outlines choices parties might need to make regarding wealth and resource sharing.
Click here to read the decision tree, Wealth and Resource Sharing.