This book illustrates the historical trajectory of resource nationalism, spanning from its articulation as a legal system to extract resources in the Americas by imperial Spain to an anti-colonial platform developed to increase state control over the energy sector. In a fresh review of this contentious topic, this book provides a broad introduction to resource nationalism and considers whether the ideology has actually contributed to the economic growth and national development of energy-rich developing countries.This book is a timely piece that can be used as an advanced textbook for graduate students in international affairs, as well as for energy practitioners who want to expand their knowledge of this topic. General readers will also find the text relevant and applicable to an everyday understanding of the drivers of politics in energy-rich developing countries.