Hydrocarbon Citizens: How Oil Transformed People and Politics in the Middle East

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 06 February 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

Numerous countries endowed with abundant oil and natural resources face a persistent challenge: the prevalence of undemocratic politics, armed conflicts, civil unrest, corrupt governments, and unstable economies. Scholars have identified a resource curse as a central factor contributing to these issues, suggesting a correlation between valuable natural resources and severe social, political, and economic problems. However, there is a significant gap in the narrative regarding the role of the public in oil-rich nations, particularly their attitudes, values, and ideals concerning critical social, political, and economic matters. In her book, Hydrocarbon Citizens, Nimah Mazaheri delves into the profound impact of oil discovery on politics and society in the Middle East. She argues that the establishment of oil-dependent economies has nurtured a distinct type of citizen in the region: the hydrocarbon citizen. These individuals hold distinct perspectives on their governments and national politics, differing significantly from those observed in countries that do not produce oil. Hydrocarbon citizens tend to perceive their governments as highly effective, generous, and responsive to the fundamental needs of society, in contrast to the citizens of non-oil-producing nations. They exhibit a greater skepticism towards democratization and are more inclined to believe that democratic governments are inefficient, unstable, and plagued by various issues. Mazaheri's book encompasses a rich historical discussion, comprehensive analysis of public opinion data, and original surveys conducted among Saudi Arabians and Emiratis. Through these insights, Mazaheri presents a novel understanding of the perplexing resource curse that has afflicted mineral-dependent nations worldwide. Moreover, she offers a fresh perspective on current politics in the Middle East, shedding light on the factors contributing to its enduring complexities. By examining the unique dynamics of hydrocarbon citizens and their attitudes towards governance, Mazaheri contributes to our understanding of the region's political landscape and its potential for transformation.

Weight: 520g
Dimension: 242 x 160 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197636725