Scholars ever more agree that economic diversification is becoming a vital strategy to ensure future stability in fossil fuel-export dependent states. This is the reason why, in recent years,...Show moreScholars ever more agree that economic diversification is becoming a vital strategy to ensure future stability in fossil fuel-export dependent states. This is the reason why, in recent years, grandiose development plans and modest efforts to achieve economic diversification have been initiated by some MENA states, particularly by those in the GCC. In Algeria, neither plans nor serious efforts are undertaken by the country’s ruling elites towards achieving this goal. Traditional rentier state literature cannot explain these visible differences in approaches between rentier states. Therefore, by studying contemporary Algerian history, this paper argues that the unwillingness of Algerian elites to diversify the Algerian economy is a result of an interplay between the nature of domestic institutions, international interference and oil. This case-specific approach enables a more accurate explanation for Algeria’s persistent political economic development. Moreover, by connecting rentier state theory with insights from postcolonial studies, and statist and critical political economy, this paper also appeals to the growing demand for an internationalised conception of the rentier state.Show less
This thesis investigates the potential barriers to stability natural resource extraction has created in Eastern DRC. This is accomplished using resource curse and rentier state theory in a...Show moreThis thesis investigates the potential barriers to stability natural resource extraction has created in Eastern DRC. This is accomplished using resource curse and rentier state theory in a complementary fashion. This thesis brings forward a nuanced view of how resource extraction can 1) create barriers impeding economic growth, 2) be used as a permissive tool for armed groups to maintain rebellion, and 3) alter state-society relations causing a lack of accountability and transparency from the government, thereby causing corruption and patrimonialism. The existence of a wider ‘curse’ throughout Sub-Saharan Africa is also analyzed and found that the DRC’s case diverges from the regional average. This thesis adds to the practical complementary application of resource curse and rentier state theory, putting forward a nuanced view of the role of natural resources, contrary to the ‘curse’ put forward by mainstream media and academics.Show less
The urgency of the Iranian water crisis increases every year. The Iranian agricultural sector is by far the biggest user of the vanishing water, yet it continues to be heavily subsidized. This...Show moreThe urgency of the Iranian water crisis increases every year. The Iranian agricultural sector is by far the biggest user of the vanishing water, yet it continues to be heavily subsidized. This paper first establishes a link between subsidies and water mismanagement and then continues to investigate the motivations and dilemmas that Iranian policymakers face in their decision to retain subsidies that promote the wasteful agricultural industry. With the input of experts in the field and from the region, this paper argues that these subsidies are a crucial pillar of Iran due to its nature as a neopatrimonial rentier state and that subsidy reform or even removal are difficultShow less
Falling oil prices are leading the Saudis to drastic action. While oil funds still provide the state with a sizable income, it is clear that the new Crown Prince imagines a remained importance of...Show moreFalling oil prices are leading the Saudis to drastic action. While oil funds still provide the state with a sizable income, it is clear that the new Crown Prince imagines a remained importance of the state in structuring post-oil development. This thesis explores the potential for a contemporary developmental state to be built up in the oil kingdom. This signifies a departure from the rentier structures that have had the upper hand in the Kingdom, and requires a new kind of state autonomy. The ability for the Saudi Monarchy to adopt this new role is key in the post-oil development of the country. This thesis shows that the transition from rentierism to state-led capitalist development is possible and can be a viable strategy for Saudi Arabia.Show less
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...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
