Access to a Raw Resources Base as a Factor in Assessing the Position of States in International Commodities Markets: A Case of Forming the Oil Industry of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Aim. The author studies options of states access to a national and foreign raw resources base in the context of assessing key players positions in international commodities markets on the example of the oil industry of Saudi Arabia. Methods. This study adopts interdisciplinary approach, uses the method of comparative analysis, and statistical method. Results. The main challenges which Washington and Riyadh encountered on the path of getting access to the oil resources base of Saudi Arabia have been considered in the article. An evidence base of this research has been represented by the case of rise and development of the Saudi Arabian oil industry. Conclusions. 1. The four conditions to get access to a raw resources base for states are their own fields or an option to use fields in the territory of other countries, financial capitals, technologies and strong armies. 2. Depending on their chances of getting access to a raw resources base all states can be classified as the following: (a) weak countries with a low potential for getting and holding an access, (b) weak countries with a high potential, (c) strong countries with a low potential for using and holding their resources, (d) self-sufficient countries. 3. From the viewpoint of its capacities to get access to its raw resources base Saudi Arabia showed that on the path of development of its national energy industry it had a high dependence on the USA in accessing to technologies of exploration and production of national resources, security, and at the earliest stage - to financial capitals.