Fueling sovereignty: colonial oil and the creation of unlikely states.

In the article "Fueling sovereignty: colonial oil and the creation of unlikely states," Naosuke Mukoyama explores the role of oil in international politics and its impact on state formation and decolonization. Mukoyama argues that during decolonization movements, colonizers often tried to merge multiple colonized entities into larger states for economic viability and defense purposes. However, some small entities resisted amalgamation and achieved separate independence due to the presence of oil resources and protectorate status. Mukoyama supports this argument through a comparative historical analysis of Bahrain, Brunei, and Qatar. The article highlights the importance of timing and the value of resources in influencing statehood. While the argument is convincing, the article suggests further exploration of the role of oil producers and the post-World War II context. Overall, the article emphasizes the agency of small colonized entities and its implications for international relations, politics, and history. [Extracted from the article]