Theory-building in border studies would go further if closer attention were paid to methods instead of the nature of borders and borderlands. Careful attention to methods would help make variables more amenable to theory building.
Latin America has witnessed an unprecedented natural resource boom in the last decade. However, the macroeconomic and social achievements cannot hide the significant challenges and some negative effects of the mining boom, including the so-called resource curse.
With a favorable market and nearly inexhaustible resource base, Venezuela has a historic opportunity to boost its oil industry. However, the industry faces serious policy hurdles, and the potential of this investment is likely to be wasted.
The significant influence of governors in the national policymaking process in Latin America can potentially generate uncoordinated and contradictory policies.
The 1990s witnessed a significant increase in investments in the oil and gas sector in Latin America. Recently, however, the region has experienced a new wave of resource nationalism, with increases in the government's take and state control. This recent trend is largely the outcome of the rise in the international oil price.
Osmel Manzano, Francisco J. MonaldiNovember 18, 2008