Oil in the Gulf: Obstacles to Democracy and Development [Hardcover]

Daniel Heradstveit (Editor), Helge Hveem (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 2004 | ISBN-10: 0754639681 | ISBN-13: 978-0754639688

The US-led war against in Iraq in 2003 represented the most dramatic shake-up of regional politics in the Gulf for more than a decade. This book contains an up-to-date analysis of central questions affecting the construction of a post-Ba'th regime in Iraq, and charts possible ways forward in other key states of the region such as Saudi Arabia and Iran. At the heart of the analysis lies the tension between the US-sponsored vision of a democratic, free market Gulf region and local resistance to this model. This resistance, appearing in the shape of alternative visions of democracy and the state, could potentially form a challenge to US policy through the spread of repressive policies or terrorism, especially if Washington chooses to sideline the social forces behind it. Conversely, if this resistance were taken seriously by the US, it could form a point of departure for more fruitful interaction between traditions of government from the West and local politics. Future developments on this important issue are bound to be of immense significance for the management of some of the world's largest oil and gas reserves, with immediate implications for both regional political stability as well as for the world economy.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 188 pages
• Publisher: Ashgate Pub Ltd (February 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0754639681
• ISBN-13: 978-0754639688
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,674,854 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)