Revisiting Rentierism through the Lens of Algerian Gas

Abstract

This paper aims at critically reviewing the concept of rentierism and the Rentier State coined after the oil shocks of the 1970s. It explains that it is the result of a relationship, which properly institutionalized through the market generates a mineral rent. This allows us to argue that the oil price fulfils a systemic role. Finally, this paper assesses the case of Algeria by examining its positioning in the hydrocarbon global value chains, with the aim to draw the conclusions that the future of Algeria as a gas rentier economy is quite unclear, but in the case of a major restructuring of the international gas trade, it could lead to its petrolization.