Does Oil Income Impede Democratization In Muslim– Majority Countries?

Nuri Aras, Osman and Suleymanov, Elchin and Zeynalov, Ayaz (2012): Does Oil Income Impede Democratization In Muslim– Majority Countries? Published in: International Journal Of Social Sciences And Humanity Studies , Vol. 4, No. 2 (17 November 2012): pp. 397-406.

Abstract

It is widely recognized that many developed countries have established democratic institutions, while the majority of developing countries are far from being democratic states (e.g. Acemoglu, 2008). One argument for this discrepancy is that there exists a strong relationship between democracy and the level of income. In developing countries that are highly dependent on oil, this resource has different effects on their economic and political institutions (e.g. Ross, 2001). Although the economic literature suggests that there is a positive relationship between the level of income and democracy, it seems that oil income, specifically, appears to prevent democratization in Muslim–majority countries. This paper will attempt to argue that oil is the main reason for the lack of democracy in Muslim– majority countries.

• Item Type: MPRA Paper
• Language: English
• Keywords: Oil Income, Muslim – majority countries, Democratization
• Subjects: O - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth > O1 - Economic Development; O - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth > O1 - Economic Development > O11 - Macroeconomic Analyses of Economic Development; O - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth > O1 - Economic Development > O12 - Microeconomic Analyses of Economic Development; O - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth > O1 - Economic Development > O13 - Agriculture ; Natural Resources ; Energy ; Environment ; Other Primary Products; O - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth > O4 - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity

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