#AP Comparative Government: Natural Resources & Rentier States 🌍

Hey there, future AP Gov rockstar! Let's dive into the world of natural resources and how they shape our course countries. This guide is designed to be your go-to resource the night before the exam. Let's make sure you're feeling confident and ready to ace it! 💪

#Natural Resources: The Basics 🏞️

Natural resources are a big deal in comparative politics. They include everything from oil and gas to forests and water. How a country manages these resources can make or break its economy and political stability. Let's break it down:

• Types of Resources: Oil, gas, minerals, forests, water, etc. 🛢️
• Impact:
  • Economic growth (or lack thereof)
  • Political stability (or instability)
  • Social development (or stagnation)

#Globalization's Role 🌎

Globalization has made accessing resources easier but also more complex. Governments now have to balance international trade with national control. This tension is key to understanding many political decisions.

#Rentier States: The Resource Curse 💰

#What is a Rentier State? 🤔

A rentier state is a country that gets a large chunk of its revenue from selling natural resources (like oil). Think of it like a landlord (rentier) who makes money from rent, not from hard work. These states often rely on a single commodity.

• Key Characteristics:
  • Heavy reliance on one export (usually oil or gas)
  • Government revenue comes from resource sales, not taxes
  • Often leads to corruption and lack of accountability

#Course Countries: Rentier States

• Iran, Nigeria, and Russia are prime examples of rentier states. 🇮🇷🇳🇬🇷🇺
  • They've used oil money to fund programs and improve quality of life, but...
  • ...they also face challenges like corruption and instability.

#The "Resource Curse" or "Paradox of Plenty