Hugo Chavez Frías’ virulent discourse has until his death fed the appetite of media, politicians and academics. Mostly known for his social and anti-imperialist program as well as the success of...Show moreHugo Chavez Frías’ virulent discourse has until his death fed the appetite of media, politicians and academics. Mostly known for his social and anti-imperialist program as well as the success of his leftist movement across the Latin American region, the former Venezuelan President has also attracted attention with his denunciation of the Bush administration, the neoliberal system, and more generally the United States’ foreign policy. Publicly shaming the American government for the invasion, bombing, and killing of thousands of civilians in Afghanistan and Iraq at the 2006 United Nations Assembly, there were no doubts for the international community that Chavez’s anti-imperialist ideology had definitely shifted into an anti-American one following the 9/11 attacks and the launching of the War on Terror. That popular thinking was however challenged in the last decade by academics who passionately debated on the origins of Chavez’s anti-Americanism, some advocating a definite shift -yet unrelated to the events of 9/11, others defending the linearity of his discourse. For years, three theories have thus evolved around the figure of Hugo Chavez and the nature of his discourse. With the support of a strong theoretical framework, historical reflection and Political Discourse Analysis, this thesis ultimately aims to solve this discussion.Show less
This thesis provides an in-depth analysis on the political and economic consequences for rentier states and their elites, based on three presented reasons. Because of low oil prices, climate...Show moreThis thesis provides an in-depth analysis on the political and economic consequences for rentier states and their elites, based on three presented reasons. Because of low oil prices, climate mitigation policies and the eroding competitiveness of oil, states are increasingly experiencing the changing structures of the global political economy. To overcome challenges, rentier states are diversifying their economies by emphasizing non-oil alternatives. Consequences are the viability of the rentier model and their overrepresented authoritarian elites are at risk. By investigating an exemplary case this research has tried to better understand the path of the rentier state. Results find Saudi Arabia has begun diversifying its economy in predominantly the tertiary sector and is simultaneously activating its labour force to promote employment outside the government and oil sectors. Fast growing sectors that are progressively providing employment for Saudi nationals are (1) Finance, Insurance, Real Estate & Business Service and (2) Transportation & Communication sectors. Implications are that Saudi Arabia will cease to be a rentier state in the future and that, in tandem, the historically secure position of its authoritarian elites is likely to be at stake. Rising education levels, specialization in the private sector and urbanization levels, give indication the Saudi Arabian society will be able to articulate a demand for representation and accountability. Considering the late introduction of a 5% VAT tax and likely future tax increases, the probability of democratization processes is increasing. The adage “he who pays the piper calls the tune” will likely prove no exception in case of the rentier state. Ramifications for other rentier states are inclined to be corollary to that of Saudi Arabia. Albeit, heterogeneity among rentier states could prove to be detrimental for their survival.Show less
