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Oil Wealth and Geopolitical Rivalries
This chapter examines the historical context of oil wealth in the Middle East, focusing on the divergent paths of Saudi Arabia and Iran throughout the 20th century, particularly around the 1979 Islamic Revolution. It explores how the revolution intensified sectarian divides and fueled a proxy conflict between Iran and Saudi Arabia, impacting regional alliances and conflicts. Additionally, the chapter analyzes the complex interplay of international powers in ongoing conflicts, notably in Syria, Iraq, and Libya, underscoring the evolution of proxy warfare in a contemporary geopolitical landscape.