Follow the Money

Many countries rich in natural resources squander their wealth, enriching a minority, while corruption and mismanagement leave the majority impoverished. A special responsibility falls on civil society in such countries to push their governments toward transparency and spending that responds to public needs. “Follow the Money: A Guide to Monitoring Budgets and Oil and Gas Revenues” provides practical information to nongovernmental groups on how to monitor government earnings and expenditures. By detailing and disseminating monitoring information and strategies, Follow the Money aims to help lift the “resource curse” that impedes the development of many impoverished countries. The Open Society Institute and its Revenue Watch program published this report in collaboration with the Center for Policy Studies at Central European University and the International Budget Project. It is the first in a series of guides to be published by Revenue Watch in an effort to help nongovernmental organizations, journalists, investors, and policymakers promote government transparency and accountability.