How has the resource curse affected Saudi Arabia?

Question

A. The economy of the country has not grown.
B. Rebellions by groups seeking to gain control of natural resources occur.
C. The quality of life there has not improved.
D. Wealth from natural resources helps to support the autocratic government.

Answer 1

The most accurate answer to how the resource curse has affected Saudi Arabia would be:

D. Wealth from natural resources helps to support the autocratic government.

In Saudi Arabia, the substantial wealth generated from oil has allowed the government to maintain a strong grip on power, provide social services, and suppress dissent, which are characteristics often associated with the resource curse. This situation can lead to reduced political freedoms and a lack of democratic development, even while the economy benefits from the resource wealth.