National Oil Companies (NOCs) play an important role in the world economy. They produce most of the world's oil and bankroll governments across the globe. Although NOCs superficially resemble private-sector companies, they often behave in very different ways. Oil and Governance explains the variation in performance and strategy for NOCs and provides fresh insights into the future of the oil industry as well as the politics of the oil-rich countries where NOCs dominate. It comprises fifteen case studies, each following a common research design, of NOCs based in the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Latin America and Europe. The book also includes cross-cutting pieces on the industrial structure of the oil industry and the politics and administration of NOCs. This book is the largest and most systematic analysis of NOCs to date and is suitable for audiences from industry and academia, as well as policy makers. 'State-owned oil companies play a pivotal role in today's petroleum industry. Policymakers, industry leaders, and interested observers alike will gain highly relevant insights into these key players from this excellent volume.' Harald Norvik, CEO of Statoil, 1988–1999 'David Hults, Mark Thurber and David Victor give us an illuminating and invaluable look at how the predominant state oil companies govern world oil supplies. A must-read for anyone interested in energy policy.' George P. Shultz, United States Secretary of State, 1982–1989 The largest and most systematic analysis of national oil companies to date. David G. Victor is a professor at the School of International Relations and Pacific Studies at the University of California, San Diego, where he also leads the Laboratory on International Law and Regulation. David R. Hults is a research affiliate at the Program on Energy and Sustainable Development (PESD) at Stanford University. Mark Thurber is Assistant Director for Research at the Program on Energy and Sustainable Development (PESD) at Stanford University.