After thinking more on the topic after our discussion, i would want my part of the research project in this format. I realise that if i limit my self to Iran on OPEC and oil price, the research would be too narrow, besides it would not reflect the topic " Concise History of the MENA Region".
1. The effects of the OPEC formation and OECD strategies; How did it impact the Geo-political and economic development of the North and South in global politics?
a. Did OPEC achieved it goals as a cartel organization or did it drifted as a result of Western influence on some of its members?
b. what effect did OPEC have on economic and political development of both North and South since it inception?
c. Has OPEC outlive its usefulness in determing oil price in the global markets or is still useful.
d. Where OECD strategies effective enough to counter OPEC goals of high oil prices? If effective to what extent, did it achieved it ultimate goal of stopping and decreasing high oil prices in the global market or preventing third world countries nationalism in the oil industry.
e. Did the OECD countires adopt a more peaceful or militarized strategies to counter OPEC goals? If more peaceful startegies were adopted, what would have happen if they have adopted more militarized strategies?
Was OPEC damaging or how did affect America hegemonic power in the region or was the formation of OPEC shock to americn political leaders? If a shock, how do they handle it?
This are the questions, i seek to address in this important group project work of " Concise History of the MENA region. I would use Yergin's Book " The Prize", resources provided in the course and other relevant resources to the project.
Anthony and Andrea, i would appreciate your inputs. Any resources that you think migh be useful in this group project work.
Your corperation is needed
Didn't we decide to ditch the subject "A Concise History of MENA" and instead do the subject of the geopolitical history of oil in Iran? We actually do want the research to be narrow because we don't have a lot of time. To really grasp the geopolitical history of oil in Iran over 100 years is going to be tough enough, we can't do the whole MENA.
ReplyDeleteMy opinion is you should focus on OPECS relationship with Iran. And less of OPEC as a whole, just how OPEC's action affected Iran in-particular. Becuase we've each only got to write I think he said about 3-4 pages single spaced and there's a LOT to cover. I was going to try and cover 1908-1960 Can you do 1960-1990 And Andrea is alright with doing 90's-now We can all talk about OPEC but I think we need to keep it in an Iranian context or else we'll never get all of Irans history fit into 12-15 pages
ReplyDeleteOPEC in itself could be a whole research project it there's so much that's happened.
ReplyDeleteAnd of course I'm not trying to say this isn't important, it's incredibly important it's just a matter of time and space. To better articulate this thought: We need someone to cover the oil shocks and the Iranian revolution and other events between 60-90' to get a solid grip on Iran's oil history and of course OPEC was involved greatly in this time period so it's still applicable it should just not be the forefront of your research I think. If I could do 1908-90 I would but we've got to split this up. And Andrea is certainly going to have a full load trying to do the 90's to Iran's current state.
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ReplyDeleteOr if that's too much Sam she might be willing to do from the 79' revolution if you want to do events that took place 1960-78? What do you guys think?
ReplyDeleteI agree with Anthony and think that we need to focus on a more narrow topic at this point - like Prof. O'Donnell said, this can help us jump start future research by exposing us to one aspect. It would be great if you could focus on the years between '60-78 so that we can make sure we cover our bases with the events that occurred then. OPEC was a significant player in those years so it'll be very useful to explore it's role - but keeping it in line with how it relates to Iran and what Iran's relationship is within it.
ReplyDeleteI'll plan on focusing on the 80's to the present. I.E. what events happened in the 80's, Iran's role, international reaction (all in relation to oil of course) I also plan on presenting a little bit on what the current status is today in Iran in regards to oil etc. Let me know if you guys have any suggestions. I just found this great article/website that I'll post above!