Politactics of international cartels: economic illusions, political realities, and OPEC
This research investigates the nature and strategy of international cartels to determine both what constitutes a cartel and the causes of OPEC's longevity. To achieve that end, the study examines the political and economic background that led to the Organization's creation and determined its evolution. The study analyzes the factors underlying changes in the oil market and in the outlook of the oil-producing nations for the purpose of drawing some conclusions concerning the manner in which the contemporary, quasi-cartelistic OPEC system operates, and to set out the far-reaching implications of its emergence. What were the circumstances which have thus far favored cartelization and sustained the cohesiveness and power of OPEC. It is argued that links within OPEC have been forged by a mixture of politics and economics. Economic considerations created OPEC and maintained it through its early years, but political necessity and solidarity helped later to cement the various divergent blocks together. Contrary to expectations, political conflicts among the major members failed to cripple or destroy OPEC. Political links helped override economic disagreements, while economic links helped overcome political ill will.
- OSTI ID:
- 5868549
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: Thesis (Ph.D.)
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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