"Rentierism" is not a new notion, in fact it is one of the most discussed theories in the field of political economy, but this book is different. For many years authors have been trying to understand how oil not only shapes economies, but also societies and political systems and in this book you will find the amalgamation of all such research. Are we finally witnessing the end of reliance on oil as a primary source of income for some countries? Can oil reliant states house unprivileged groups? or can oil become a catalyst for economic and social growth and development? These are some of the questions being addressed here.