The role of natural resources in contributing to stable economic development is of growing interest to economists and politicians. In evaluations of the prospects for development of a given country it was once assumed that rich natural resources and a vast territory provided favorable conditions...

All countries have had defining moments which have brought about important transformations in their economies and societies. These turning points, which may be triggered by wars, new technologies and markets, or crises, require new policies and reforms to help countries adapt to the fresh...