1. Envisioning the Future: Iranian and Saudi Perspectives on the Post-Oil Economy
- Author:
- Wael Abdul-Shafi
- Publication Date:
- 04-2017
- Content Type:
- Special Report
- Institution:
- EastWest Institute
- Abstract:
- Falling oil and gas prices and shrinking demand across global energy markets pose enormous challenges for energy exporting countries like Iran and Saudi Arabia and lead to decreasing revenues from this sector. Despite differences in the structures of their respective national economies, both countries share common challenges in adapting to this new situation. High youth unemployment rates, an underrepresentation of women in the workforce, a public sector unable to absorb the high numbers of university graduates as well as environmental degradation and pollution, all constitute major problems for both countries and their economies. But, while solving many of these issues would ideally demand bilateral cooperation, a political climate of mutual mistrust and enmity currently inhibits such a process.
- Topic:
- International Political Economy and International Affairs
- Political Geography:
- Iran and Saudi Arabia