This thesis provides an overview of the three main economic pathways that Russian mono industrial cities have followed after the collapse of the Soviet Union, namely economic diversification,...Show moreThis thesis provides an overview of the three main economic pathways that Russian mono industrial cities have followed after the collapse of the Soviet Union, namely economic diversification, economic replacement and maintaining the core industry. This was done by choosing three relevant cities as case studies for each pathway, in order to determine under which circumstances each economic policy would work the best.Show less
This thesis has attempted to investigate the progress that the Saudi government has made in fulfilling the goals related to the components of immigration and investment and tourism in Saudi Vision...Show moreThis thesis has attempted to investigate the progress that the Saudi government has made in fulfilling the goals related to the components of immigration and investment and tourism in Saudi Vision 2030. It has attempted to do so using nation branding theory specifically, making use of interviews, surveys and analysis of primary and secondary sources to investigate this process. The findings of this research indicate that tourism and investment are important sources of potential economic growth that can help the country diversify economically. However, due to instability in terms of the political climate and the authoritarian nature of the Saudi regime, tourism has been negatively affected in the country. In addition, investor worries concerning scandals in the country as well as concern over the government’s ability to deliver on its promises has also cast doubt on whether the goals outlined in the strategic document can be achieved in time. Together, these cases corroborate the findings of other scholars that Saudi Vision 2030 is too ambitious and that the government’s attempts to focus exclusively on improving its image may backfire if it does not undertake other reforms in the country.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
