Leiden University Student Repository

Leijenhorst, Aron D. (2017)

Shifting Politics in the Gulf: The Implications of Oil Depletion on the Saudi Social Contract

Bachelor thesis | International Studies (BA)

Oil-induced revenues that are directly accrued to states, or rents, are one of the foundations for many states in the Middle East, Africa, and elsewhere in the world. In exchange for political inactivity, these so-called rentier states redistribute a fraction of this oil wealth in the form of healthcare, education, salaries and other benefits. However, with oil gradually running out, the social contract that bases itself on this rentier principle is facing a potential end-scenario. In this thesis, I will be addressing this dilemma, by asking the following question: To what extent does a relationship exist between oil depletion and change in the rentier social contract? Focussing specifically on Saudi Arabia, I will deconstruct the Saudi social contract, and compare a quantified version of this contract with the process of oil depletion, in order to find whether such a relationship exists. The study will show that even though the exact form of this relationship remains subject to...Show moreOil-induced revenues that are directly accrued to states, or rents, are one of the foundations for many states in the Middle East, Africa, and elsewhere in the world. In exchange for political inactivity, these so-called rentier states redistribute a fraction of this oil wealth in the form of healthcare, education, salaries and other benefits. However, with oil gradually running out, the social contract that bases itself on this rentier principle is facing a potential end-scenario. In this thesis, I will be addressing this dilemma, by asking the following question: To what extent does a relationship exist between oil depletion and change in the rentier social contract? Focussing specifically on Saudi Arabia, I will deconstruct the Saudi social contract, and compare a quantified version of this contract with the process of oil depletion, in order to find whether such a relationship exists. The study will show that even though the exact form of this relationship remains subject to discussion, it clearly exists. In conclusion, this means that scholars should redirect their focus to the political implications of oil depletion.Show less

Oil Depletion

Political Economy

Social Contract

Saudi Arabia

Rentier State

Author

Leijenhorst, Aron D.

Faculty

Faculty of Humanities

Supervisors

Ennis, Crystal A.

ECTS Credits

15

Language

en