The Impact of Resource Rents on the Foreign Policymaking in West Asia: Lessons for Turkey

The effect of resource wealth on domestic politics has been widely discussed but its impact on foreign policy conduct is scarcely analysed. On the domestic front, rentier states not only have the repressive mechanisms to subdue discontent within its jurisdiction but they can also provide material be...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International studies (New Delhi) 2016-04, Vol.53 (2), p.105-117
Main Author: Kaynak, Akif Bahadir
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Authoritarianism
Discontent
Domestic politics
Energy
Energy resources
Foreign policy
Geography
Income
International conflict
Jurisdiction
Nationalism
Peace
Policy making
Politics
Rents
Risk
Wealth
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Summary:The effect of resource wealth on domestic politics has been widely discussed but its impact on foreign policy conduct is scarcely analysed. On the domestic front, rentier states not only have the repressive mechanisms to subdue discontent within its jurisdiction but they can also provide material benefits to its supporters in return for their loyalties. Hence, for resource-rich countries that have not already developed democratic institutions, authoritarianism seems to be a widely expected outcome. Yet, those rentier states may also develop a certain kind of foreign policy that increases the risk of conflict and political tensions in the international arena. Authoritarian regimes fuelled by the income generated by the sale of underground resources can pursue more aggressive policies as envisioned by democratic peace theory. This article attempts to draw a generalized framework on the effects of energy resources on the actions of exporting states while at the same time tries to draw lessons for Turkey, a country located in a troublesome but resource-rich geography.
ISSN:0020-8817
0973-0702
DOI:10.1177/0020881717727607