The “Resource Curse” is the economic equivalent of alcoholism … where our society becomes dependent on wealth generated through others taking our raw materials and leaving us just sufficient payment for subsistence and complacency.
I have travelled widely in Papua New Guinea and can affirm that this modern version of the “Cargo Cult” can sap the lifeblood of initiative of others industrious people.
But the problem is not confined to PNG. Australia too suffers from a severe case of the “Resource Curse”.
We somehow manage to convince ourselves that we “deserve” our fortunate lifestyle, rather than acknowledging that it is just a short term accidental result of a meeting of history and geography… not the result of sustained hard work and initiative on our part.
For more on the future of PNG, Australia and other neighbouring countries, read “Queen’s Pawn to D4” by Rod Johnston.
