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Oil Discovery, Political Institutions and Economic Diversification

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  • Nouf Alsharif
  • Sambit Bhattacharyya

Abstract

Diversification is touted as a desirable policy objective for oil‐rich nations because it reduces exposure to volatility. However, the empirical relationship between petroleum and diversification is not well understood. Here, we test the effect of giant oil discoveries on diversification using a panel dataset of 136 countries observed over the period from 1962 to 2012. We notice non‐oil sector export concentration 8 years after a discovery. However, we do not observe any effect on the structure of employment in non‐resource and manufacturing sectors. Democratic political institutions moderate the export and employment concentration effects of petroleum discovery.

Suggested Citation

  • Nouf Alsharif & Sambit Bhattacharyya, 2019. "Oil Discovery, Political Institutions and Economic Diversification," Scottish Journal of Political Economy, Scottish Economic Society, vol. 66(3), pages 459-488, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:scotjp:v:66:y:2019:i:3:p:459-488
    DOI: 10.1111/sjpe.12202
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    Cited by:

    1. Abdalla Alfaki, Ibrahim M. & El Anshasy, Amany A., 2022. "Oil rents, diversification and growth: Is there asymmetric dependence? A copula-based inquiry," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 75(C).
    2. Shehabi, Manal, 2020. "Diversification effects of energy subsidy reform in oil exporters: Illustrations from Kuwait," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 138(C).
    3. Sabna Ali & Syed Mansoob Murshed & Elissaios Papyrakis, 2023. "Oil, export diversification and economic growth in Sudan: evidence from a VAR model," Mineral Economics, Springer;Raw Materials Group (RMG);Luleå University of Technology, vol. 36(1), pages 77-96, January.
    4. Nouf Alsharif & Sambit Bhattacharyya & Maurizio Intartaglia, 2016. "Economic Diversification in Resource Rich Countries: Uncovering the State of Knowledge," Working Paper Series 9816, Department of Economics, University of Sussex.
    5. Nouf Alsharif & Sambit Bhattacharyya, 2022. "Oil Discovery, Boom-Bust Cycle and Manufacturing Slowdown: Evidence from a Large Industry Level Dataset," Working Paper Series 0222, Department of Economics, University of Sussex Business School.
    6. Nouf Alsharif & Sambit Bhattacharyya & Maurizio Intartaglia, 2016. "Economic Diversification in Resource Rich Countries: Uncovering the State of Knowledge," Working Paper Series 09816, Department of Economics, University of Sussex Business School.

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • D72 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Political Processes: Rent-seeking, Lobbying, Elections, Legislatures, and Voting Behavior
    • O11 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Macroeconomic Analyses of Economic Development

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