The Tumultuous Relationship Between Oil Urbanism and Road Revolt: A Cambridge Middle East Studies Perspective

In the realm of urban studies, few regions have been as deeply affected by the intertwined forces of oil and road development as the Middle East. The intricate relationship between oil urbanism and road networks has shaped the social, political, and economic landscapes of countries in the region, often leading to both development and discontent. In this article, we delve into the critical analysis presented in the renowned Cambridge Middle East Studies publication, issue 45, which provides valuable insights into the complexities of oil urbanism and the subsequent road revolts that have emerged in response.

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Understanding Oil Urbanism

Oil urbanism refers to the transformation of cities and regions driven by the rapid development of the oil industry. As oil-rich countries in the Middle East experienced a surge in wealth, they embarked on ambitious urbanization projects, seeking to modernize their cities and cater to the growing needs of their populations. The process of oil urbanism brought forth unprecedented changes, including the creation of modern road networks that aimed to facilitate transportation and promote economic growth.

Joyriding in Riyadh: Oil, Urbanism, and Road Revolt (Cambridge Middle East Studies Book 45)

by Abdullah Omran Taryam(Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6495 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	264 pages

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However, the consequences of oil urbanism were not universally positive. While these projects brought prosperity and societal advancements, they also led to several social and political challenges. The economic disparities between the oil-rich elite and the lower-income communities, the displacement of indigenous populations, and the environmental degradation caused by oil extraction all contributed to an undercurrent of discontent and frustration.

The Emergence of Road Revolts

One of the most intriguing aspects of the interplay between oil urbanism and societal transformation is the phenomenon of road revolts. Road revolts refer to the protests and opposition that emerge against road development and infrastructure projects associated with oil urbanism. These revolts are often fueled by the grievances mentioned earlier, and they manifest in diverse forms, from legal battles to mass demonstrations.

In the Cambridge Middle East Studies publication, the nuances and complexities of road revolts are meticulously examined. The contributors delve into case studies from various countries in the Middle East, shedding light on the socio-economic factors that trigger road revolts, the political consequences that arise from these movements, and the potential for alternative paths of urban development.

Insights from Cambridge Middle East Studies 45

Issue 45 of Cambridge Middle East Studies offers a rich collection of essays that analyze the historical and contemporary dynamics of oil urbanism and road revolts in the Middle East. This publication takes a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating perspectives from geography, sociology, political science, and urban studies to provide a comprehensive understanding of these complex phenomena.

Contributing authors explore diverse topics, such as the impact of oil urbanism on indigenous communities, the role of urban planning in exacerbating or mitigating social tensions, and the potential for sustainable alternatives in urban development. The analyses presented in this publication offer invaluable insights for scholars, policymakers, and urban practitioners seeking to navigate the challenges posed by oil urbanism and road revolts in the Middle East.

The intricate relationship between oil urbanism and road development in the Middle East is a subject of profound importance and relevance in the field of urban studies. By exploring the critical analysis presented in Cambridge Middle East Studies issue 45, this article has provided a glimpse into the complexities, challenges, and potential solutions associated with this phenomenon. Through further research and understanding, we can strive to harness the positive aspects of oil urbanism while addressing the grievances that give rise to road revolts, creating sustainable and equitable urban environments in the Middle East and beyond.

Joyriding in Riyadh: Oil, Urbanism, and Road Revolt (Cambridge Middle East Studies Book 45)

by Abdullah Omran Taryam(Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6495 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	264 pages

FREE

Why do young Saudis, night after night, joyride and skid cars on Riyadh's avenues? Who are these 'drifters' who defy public order and private property? What drives their revolt? Based on four years of fieldwork in Riyadh, Pascal Menoret's Joyriding in Riyadh explores the social fabric of the city and connects it to Saudi Arabia's recent history. Car drifting emerged after Riyadh was planned, and oil became the main driver of the economy. For young rural migrants, it was a way to reclaim alienating and threatening urban spaces. For the Saudi state, it jeopardized its most basic operations: managing public spaces and enforcing law and order. A police crackdown soon targeted car drifting, feeding a nation-wide moral panic led by religious activists who framed youth culture as a public issue. This book retraces the politicization of Riyadh youth and shows that, far from being a marginal event, car drifting is embedded in the country's social violence and economic inequality.