Review by Choice Review
In this highly readable, insightful, and provocative book, Shaxson, a respected journalist, introduces the reader to the unsettling world of African oil, its ties with multinational oil companies and Western governments, and its devastating impact on the African people. The author reveals the seamy side of the African oil industry, its corrupting impact, its deepening of the class divide and poverty, and its many other curses. The volume describes how petro-dollars do not necessarily generate social welfare and development in sub-Saharan Africa. Rather, it ushers in tremendous windfall for a few oil barons and massive poverty and violence for the overwhelming majority of the population in oil-producing nations. Shaxson presents a compelling case for the causes of this paradox. He also warns that others may be impacted by the negative consequences of these developments sooner than one might think. Devoid of social science jargon, the narrative in this engaging, informative book reads like a novel, making it accessible to a wide audience. It could serve as supplementary reading in undergraduate and graduate courses on development, Third World studies, and African studies. Summing Up: Highly recommended. General readers, upper-division undergraduates through faculty. M. Dorraj Texas Christian University
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
While all eyes focus on the oil-rich Middle East as the nexus of conflict in a world addicted to crude, the future belongs to Africa, writes British journalist Shaxson in this page-turning, character-driven narrative. Illuminating African postcolonial (and neocolonial) history through the prism of oil, he reveals the central and dangerous role that Africa's oil states now play, casting the precious fuel as a poison not only for the continent but "to liberty, democracy, and free markets around the globe." An acute observer of the vast and secretive industry, Shaxson draws on his own reporting in key areas like Nigeria, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon and Angola as well as the work of experts like the late Francois-Xavier Verschave. In this stark portrait, the paradox of African oil is that, time and again, enormous wealth for a few translates into increasing poverty and political and economic insecurity for the majority. Shaxson sketches a system largely outside the purview of international law involving the highest levels of French, U.S. and other Western governments, financial institutions and elites. Although he proposes practical legislative steps, Shaxson makes clear that the grievous mix of politics, mafia-style operations and endless oil profits not only subverts democratic reforms, but in places like the Niger Delta gives rise to exactly the kind of conditions that produced September 11. (Apr.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by Library Journal Review
Grim reminders of how sudden wealth can be a curse as well as a blessing, these two new books on African oil exploration show how petrodollars have been squandered or misappropriated by corrupt African politicians while their native economies atrophy and Western oil executives look the other way. Ghazvinian, a historian and professional journalist, takes a scholarly approach, providing historical contexts for the evolution of these African countries (e.g., Nigeria, Angola, Gabon, and equatorial Guinea) into such profitable oil zones. He suggests that the appeal of African oil is twofold: the light quality of the oil makes it cheaper to refine than Middle Eastern crude, and the geographic location allows easier delivery to Western markets. Ghazvinian's analysis of the largest African oil producer, Nigeria, is so revealing it could serve as a case study on how sudden petroleum revenues can ruin a country's economy. Journalist Shaxson points out that the United States is currently importing more of its oil from sub-Saharan Africa than from Saudi Arabia, surmising that this relationship will continue to grow. He uncovers instances of possible money laundering that reach into this country, arguably causing the downfall of the historic Riggs Bank in Washington, DC. Both authors document genuine horror stories as well as tales of well-intentioned economic measures gone dreadfully wrong. Unfortunately, Shaxson loses impact by haranguing the reader in the same alarmist tone throughout and fails to integrate his material into a coherent text. Ghavzinian successfully depicts the harsh realities faced by these countries while refraining from offering simplistic remedies. His is the preferred work on this subject and is highly recommended for public and academic libraries.-Richard Drezen, Washington Post/New York City Bureau (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Choice Review
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Review by Library Journal Review
