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11 - Energy Transition in Oil-Rich Countries

The Role of Resource Nationalism

from Part V - Behavioural Aspects and Human Factors

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2025

By
Susan Kurdli  and
Renato Lima-de-Oliveira
Edited by
Wael A. Samad ,
Ahmed Badran  and
Elie Azar
Wael A. Samad
Affiliation:
Rochester Institute of Technology – Dubai
Ahmed Badran
Affiliation:
University of Qatar
Elie Azar
Affiliation:
Carleton University
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Summary

This chapter explores how domestic political factors related to oil and gas resource nationalism and its path-dependency effect influence energy transition capabilities. Methodologically, the chapter adopts a qualitative case study approach in paired oil-rich countries, Kuwait, (UAE), Mexico, and Brazil.

It explores how the origins of each country’s resource nationalism have influenced their abilities to adapt to a post-hydrocarbon economy. Countries that have adopted social-based policies such as Kuwait and Mexico, transition to renewable energy more slowly in comparison with countries that have adopted market-based policies like the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Brazil. Understanding these factors expands the literature on energy-rich countries beyond the concepts of the resource curse and rentier states, allowing academics to propose theories that are better suited to the heterogeneous nature of energy-rich countries.

Keywords

BrazilKuwaitMexicooil and gasoil-rich countriesresource nationalismUnited Arab Emirates (UAE)
Type
Chapter
Information
Carbon Neutrality in the Gulf
Between Well-intentioned Pledges and the Harsh Reality
 , pp. 225 - 244
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2025

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