This book investigates the paradox of why resource-abundant nations frequently experience slower economic growth compared to resource-poor nations. Richard M. Auty, a prominent scholar in development economics, utilizes a growth accounting framework to analyze the long-term performance of various national economies. By incorporating natural and social capital into traditional economic models, the author argues that institutional quality and policy choices are critical determinants of whether resource wealth facilitates or hinders development. The text provides a systematic explanation for the disappointing economic trajectories observed in many resource-rich countries since the 1960s.

Experts recognize this work as a foundational text for understanding the resource curse phenomenon within development economics. Readers frequently note the academic density of the prose, which is tailored for researchers and students of international economic policy.