The determinants of political instability: the role of mining resources

This article examines the relationship between mining exports and political instability in the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU). The study covers the 2002-2019 period. Based on a panel data set, the empirical model is estimated using Driscoll and Kraay standard error estimation technique. Findings show that mining exports play a significant role in political instability. An increase in mining exports likely increases the risk of political instability. These findings suggest that controlling corruption and building human capital are channels through which mineral resource exports can mitigate the risk of political instability.