# Resource Curse Reversed
A study on China's Xinjiang region investigates how natural resource extraction influences ethnic violence. Contrary to the 'resource curse' theory, analysis of eighty-six counties reveals that higher oil and gas production correlates with lower violent incidents.
## Unexpected Result
The positive effect of resources diminishes in areas with greater mosque density,
reducing the protective influence.
### Findings & Mechanisms
* Economic Conditions: Resource development improves local employment and income for state-owned enterprise employees.
* Violence Factors: Analysis finds no link between resource extraction and ethno-demographic shifts or increased public security. The reduction in violence is tied to economic improvements.
### Geographic Scope
The study focuses specifically on Xinjiang, China.
| Oilfields, Mosques and Violence: Is There a Resource Curse in Xinjiang? was authored by Ji Yeon Hong and Wenhui Yang. It was published by Cambridge in BJPS in 2020. |
