So, here's the scenario:
Someone invents a cheap source of plentiful energy. Call it nuclear fusion, but the details aren't important. Either it's small enough to install in a car, or the availability of cheap electricity spurs development of better batteries. Either way, the bottom drops out of oil.
What I'm wondering about is how this will affect the middle east politically. Obviously any responses will be speculation. I'm just concerned about writing something that's so far off-beam as to sound ridiculous.
I'm thinking that a lot of rich people are going to become not-rich people. Certain countries that depended on oil revenues are going to have cash flow issues. Do any of the oil exporting countries have other exports that would be able to prevent an economic crash? Are extremist groups likely to evaporate when the western imperialists abruptly pull out, and when their major source of funds dries up?
Anyway, any speculation helpful and appreciated.
Someone invents a cheap source of plentiful energy. Call it nuclear fusion, but the details aren't important. Either it's small enough to install in a car, or the availability of cheap electricity spurs development of better batteries. Either way, the bottom drops out of oil.
What I'm wondering about is how this will affect the middle east politically. Obviously any responses will be speculation. I'm just concerned about writing something that's so far off-beam as to sound ridiculous.
I'm thinking that a lot of rich people are going to become not-rich people. Certain countries that depended on oil revenues are going to have cash flow issues. Do any of the oil exporting countries have other exports that would be able to prevent an economic crash? Are extremist groups likely to evaporate when the western imperialists abruptly pull out, and when their major source of funds dries up?
Anyway, any speculation helpful and appreciated.