Resource companies face global criticism when they deal with abusive governments. Whether they deserve it depends on their approach. Criticism in recent months of investments by Anglo American in Zimbabwe and Total in Sudan and Burma has added another chapter to the long and fractious debate about the rights and wrongs of multinational corporations investing in rogue regimes. Not in question is the oppressive rule of government in these countries – the challenge is how best to bring pressure to bear on them to act in the interests of their people. [also refers to Talisman Energy, General Motors]