Using data from 1980 to 2004, we show that greater fiscal policy volatility acts as a transmission mechanism for the "resource curse". Resource exports dominate political and institutional variables as determinants of fiscal policy volatility, with fiscal policy volatility being a significant...

There is evidence that specialization in primary product exports reduces growth. Possible explanations include a trend deterioration in the terms of trade associated with falls in the relative price of primary products, and the adverse impact of excessive export price volatility on investment...