Schools
President’s Colloquium topic at Oakland University: The High Price of Cheap Gasoline
Professor Matthew Fails' talk will focus on ways in which countries subsidize the cost of gasoline for their citizens and why they do it
This year’s President’s Colloquium at Oakland University is entitled The High Price of Cheap Gasoline and will be presented by Matthew Fails, Ph.D., an associate professor of Political Science.
The event is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 25 in the Oakland Center Banquet Rooms on the campus of Oakland University. The reception program will feature hors d’oeuvres, a thought-provoking presentation and a question and answer session.
Professor Fails' talk will focus on the ways in which countries around the world subsidize the cost of gasoline for their citizens and why they do it.
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"Many countries around the world spend billions of dollars every year ensuring that the price citizens pay at the pump is very low," notes Professor Fails. "And, despite widespread recognition of the major economic and environmental costs of these subsidies, they continue to grow in size every year."
His talk will explore the political consequences of these subsidies, including how they act as useful tools for dictators to enhance their political power and prevent the emergence of democratic political institutions. He will also address the general role of oil wealth in shaping politics around the world, whether similar consequences could occur in the United States, and whether there is any chance of reforming these costly fossil fuel subsidies.
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Professor Fails specializes in comparative politics and much of his work is focused on the interaction between economic and political phenomena. His work on oil and politics is part of a broad research focus on global development, which includes spotlighting diverse factors like European colonialism and the various ways in which dictatorships impact material well-being around the world.
The President's Colloquium Series was established in 1995 to showcase achievements of Oakland University researchers, to promote communication and collaboration among scientists, and to recognize the outstanding work of 'Nobel Class' scientists.
