Considering the impact of oil politics on nation building in the Republic of South Sudan

This article reviews the political economy aspects of the oil sector in Sudan, as well as historical events leading to the birth of the world's youngest nation: the Republic of South Sudan. The process of nation building is explored through an oil sector “lens” both before and after secession. In doing so, the paper highlights issues related to the specific manifestation of the “Resource Curse”, which has continued to influence many aspects of the economic and political development in Sudan and continues to do so. We use both the academic and “gray” literature to better understand these issues as they continue to evolve.