This thesis delves into the complex relationship between religion and international relations by examining the role of the Sunni/Shi'a sectarian divide in the tense relationship between the two...Show moreThis thesis delves into the complex relationship between religion and international relations by examining the role of the Sunni/Shi'a sectarian divide in the tense relationship between the two Middle Eastern countries of Iran and Saudi Arabia.Show less
The thesis explores the linkage between economic policies and quality of governance in the Middle East. Through an Econometric model and further theoretical research it ask why some countries have...Show moreThe thesis explores the linkage between economic policies and quality of governance in the Middle East. Through an Econometric model and further theoretical research it ask why some countries have a high rate of "open" economic practices, but with severe "closed" political systems. It concludes that based on the rapid development of these Oil States, they spend relatively little time in a state of development where regimes are unstable and likely to fall, instead shooting towards the stable, high, GNI per capita they currently have.Show less
