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Transforming institutional quality in resource curse contexts: The Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative in Myanmar

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  • Vijge, Marjanneke J.
  • Metcalfe, Robin
  • Wallbott, Linda
  • Oberlack, Christoph

Abstract

Many resource-rich countries face the paradoxical situation that their wealth in natural resources coincides with low economic and human development rates. To address this so-called resource curse, academics and practitioners turn their hopes to institutional quality. Yet whether, how and with what consequences institutional quality is transformed in resource curse contexts remains poorly understood, especially so at subnational levels. The most widely implemented initiative that seeks to address the resource curse through enhanced institutional quality is the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI). This article analyses to what extent and how the EITI transforms institutional quality at national and subnational levels in Myanmar, focusing on transparency, civil society participation and accountability. We show that many transformations go beyond the official EITI process and report. While the EITI report itself is not heavily used by civil society organisations (CSOs), the EITI process motivated CSOs to gather data and organise themselves both around and beyond EITI-related issues at subnational levels. Such participatory processes of constituting transparency improved relations between the (regional) government, CSOs and private companies, but also created new forms of in- and exclusion among civil society. While avenues opened up for CSOs to demand accountability regarding the impacts of resource extraction, the extent to which they are able to trigger action of extractive industry actors in their region remains limited. In conclusion, we argue that transformations in institutional quality are not characterised by a linear trajectory from transparency in the form of the EITI report to accountability, facilitated by civil society participation in EITI multi-stakeholder groups, as the EITI standard posits. Rather, transformations in institutional quality are characterised by spin-offs, dynamic interlinkages, trade-offs, limitations and a reinforcing cycle between participation and transparency within and beyond the EITI.

Suggested Citation

  • Vijge, Marjanneke J. & Metcalfe, Robin & Wallbott, Linda & Oberlack, Christoph, 2019. "Transforming institutional quality in resource curse contexts: The Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative in Myanmar," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 61(C), pages 200-209.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jrpoli:v:61:y:2019:i:c:p:200-209
    DOI: 10.1016/j.resourpol.2019.02.006
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    6. Byaro, Mwoyo & Kinyondo, Abel, 2020. "Institutional Quality Explains the Difference of Natural Gas Revenues to Contribute in the Economy: Empirical Evidence from Tanzania," African Journal of Economic Review, African Journal of Economic Review, vol. 8(3), November.
    7. Pérez, Claudia & Claveria, Oscar, 2020. "Natural resources and human development: Evidence from mineral-dependent African countries using exploratory graphical analysis," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 65(C).
    8. Sun, Xiaohua & Ren, Junlin & Wang, Yun, 2022. "The impact of resource taxation on resource curse: Evidence from Chinese resource tax policy," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 78(C).
    9. Vincent Géronimi & Claire Mainguy, 2020. "Exploitation minière et développement : des effets toujours controversés. Introduction," Mondes en développement, De Boeck Université, vol. 0(1), pages 7-29.
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