The violence of petro-dollar regimes
Subtitle: Algeria, Iraq, and Libya
By: Luis Martinez
Publisher: Columbia University Press
Published: 2012
Place of publication: New York
Language: eng
Number of pages: 202
ISBN-13: 9780231703024; 9780231800808
Subjects: Politics and government; Petroleum industry and trade
Description: The creation of oil "rents" in the 1970s put Algeria, Iraq, and Libya on the fast track to modernization. Massive revenues turned Algeria into the "Mediterranean dragon," Libya into an "emirate," and Iraq into the preeminent "rising military power" of the Arab world. From a political perspective, the progressive socialism of these countries would seem to have engendered profound, promising change: increased rights for women, positive urbanization, and improved education. Yet the realities of oil wealth are beyond disillusioning. The international community now wonders whether reform can ever penetrate such nations and if the West will ever enjoy secure access to gas and oil. Offering the first global evaluation of these issues, Luis Martinez considers the nature of oil-sponsored violence in Algeria, Iraq, and Libya and its ability both to weaken and bolster their respective regimes.
Notes: Includes index.
Table of contents: title: Preface; title: Capturing the rent; title: The illusory power of oil; title: Oil rent and mafia regimes; title: The unforeseen return of financial abundance; title: Algeria, Libya and the challenge of the European neighbourhood policy; title: Conclusion; title: Index.