Proxy-led accountability for natural resource extraction in rentier states

The author develops a conceptual framework to analyze how non-domestic proxy actors attempt to hold governments and corporations accountable for the social and ecological damages of natural resource extraction in rentier states. Using the Democratic Republic of the Congo as a model, the paper identifies an 'hourglass' structure of engagement: proxies first define standards remotely, then seek compliance information from affected communities, and finally seek sanctions remotely, which can widen the gap between the proxies and the communities they represent.

• In rentier states dependent on natural resource rents, public accountability structures are often weak due to an elite-controlled political economy that ignores social and ecological interests.
• The author identifies an 'hourglass' structure of proxy actor engagement with affected communities consisting of three phases: remote definition of standards, seeking compliance information from communities to narrow the gap, and remotely seeking sanctions, which widens the gap again.

APA

Kramarz, T. (2022). Proxy-led accountability for natural resource extraction in rentier states. Climate Social Science Network. https://cssn.org/proxy-led-accountability-for-natural-resource-extraction-in-rentier-states/

Chicago

Kramarz, Teresa. Proxy-led accountability for natural resource extraction in rentier states. Climate Social Science Network, 2022. https://cssn.org/proxy-led-accountability-for-natural-resource-extraction-in-rentier-states/.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Kramarz |first1=Teresa |title=Proxy-led accountability for natural resource extraction in rentier states |publisher=Climate Social Science Network |date=7 March 2022 |url=https://cssn.org/proxy-led-accountability-for-natural-resource-extraction-in-rentier-states/ |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{kramarz2022proxyled, author = {Kramarz, Teresa}, title = {{Proxy-led accountability for natural resource extraction in rentier states}}, institution = {Climate Social Science Network}, year = {2022}, month = mar, url = {https://cssn.org/proxy-led-accountability-for-natural-resource-extraction-in-rentier-states/}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }