Final answer:
The resource curse refers to the negative consequences like economic decline and political instability often faced by resource-rich countries, leading to authoritarianism and high rates of conflict.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Bebbington, the term resource curse refers to the phenomenon where countries with an abundance of natural resources often experience negative outcomes such as economic decline, political instability, and conflict, rather than economic growth. This is because resource-rich countries are prone to authoritarianism, high rates of conflict, and low rates of economic growth. Instead of using tax revenue for government funding, which typically increases public scrutiny and responsiveness to the public's needs, these nations may rely on profits from extractive industries. Such profits can create large opportunities for government corruption, decreased public engagement, and increased conflict, which can foster or sustain authoritarian regimes.