We assess the effects of oil price shocks on real exchange rate and output in four large energy-producing countries: Iran, Kazakhstan, Venezuela, and Russia. We estimate four-variable structural vector autoregressive models using standard long-run restrictions. Not surprisingly, we find that...

Saudi Arabia has enough wealth stashed away to survive -- as is -- for 150 years if oil dried up tomorrow. Now that is serious money. Saudi Arabia is keeping oil prices low. It's a win-win for the Saudis. It hurts Russia, hurts Iran, and puts a dent in the fracked and especially the tar sands...

This book explores how political, social, economic and institutional factors in eight emerging economies have combined to generate diverse outcomes in their move towards universal health care. Structured in three parts, the book begins by framing social policy as an integral system in its own...