Political economy of natural resources and governance in Iran [Elektronische Ressource] : an empirical investigation / vorgelegt von Mohammad Reza Farzanegan

TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITÄT DRESDEN Fakultät Wirtschaftwissenschaften Political Economy of Natural Resources and Governance in Iran: An Empirical Investigation Dissertation zur Erlangung des akademischen Grades Dr.rer.pol. vorgelegt von Mohammad Reza Farzanegan Master of Science geboren am 24. Juli 1976 in Teheran Gutachter Prof. Dr. Marcel Thum Prof. Dr. Christian von Hirschhausen 14. Juli 2009 Acknowledgements This dissertation would not have been completed without the assistance and support of a number of people. My admiration, gratitude and debt to Professor Marcel Thum, my teacher, role model and friend, have grown continuously since I first discussed my PhD proposal from Tehran in early 2004. Without his continuous support and encouragement, I was not able to finalize this dissertation which began in April 2006 on time. Also, special thanks to Professor Christian von Hirschhausen for his kind acceptance to be my second referee. I am indebted to my kind colleagues at the Faculty of Business and Economics of Technische Universität Dresden, especially at the Chair of Public Economics for their cooperation, encouragements and hospitality. Chapter two of this dissertation is a joint-work with Dr. Gunther Markwardt. I learnt a lot over my joint-work and frequent discussions with him. I must also appreciate the kind and constructive comments of my collegue Christian Lessman.