ABSTRACT

This chapter exposes some of the weaknesses of international policy-making towards African oil states. It uses the human security framework. The chapter suggests the idea that human security—that is, the absence of insecurity and threats to peoples' and communities' survival, livelihoods and dignity—is a prerequisite for sustainable development, and should be ensured prior to the implementation of larger social, political and economic development programmes. It begins with a brief overview of the role that oil has played in Angola's war. Overall, the international community's policy prescriptions for Angola's challenges have been petroleum-related. The chapter looks the international response to the 'resource curse' in the Angolan context. It examines the lessons learned from the experience of transparency campaigns particularly, to assess the suitability of a 'Western' approach to solving the 'resource curse' that is allegedly persevering in Angola. The chapter provides an understanding of the reasons why transparency campaigns and initiatives have had little impact in Angola.