| Abstrakt: |
The section introduces a series of chapters on good governance in the oil industry in the Middle East. The primary purpose of this book is to consider the extent to which various political, economic and social aspects of good governance have been successfully applied, to date, within the context of the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The book is divided into six chapters. In Chapter 1, Tom Pierre Najem provides the necessary conceptual base for good governance by defining the concept, placing it within a historical and theoretical context, examining how it is being applied generally within developing societies, identifying the different forces and circumstances behind the widespread adoption of good governance policies, and considers briefly some important criticisms which are related to broader academic debates about the validity and implications of the globalization process. In Chapter 2, Neil Quilliam sets the scene for the succeeding chapters by detailing the origins and historical development of the GCC. In Chapter 3, Anoushiravan Ehteshami presents a survey of the political liberalization and participation initiatives undertaken by all of the GCC member states. In Chapter 4, Naomi Sakr looks at the dynamics of press and government relations in the GCC countries in recent years. In Chapter 5, Rodney Wilson considers the extent to which economic policy-making in Saudi Arabia conforms to the ideals of international economic institutions such as the International Monetary Fund and World Trade Organization. And finally, in Chapter 6, Christiaan Vrolijk examines the environmental policies of the GCC states, focusing in particular on their participation in global climate change initiatives. |
