Final answer:
The idea for OPEC had its roots in several countries with the intention to control the global oil market to align with the growing postwar demand for oil. The alliance has not only dealt with economic factors but also played a significant role in geopolitical events, such as the 1973 oil embargo following the Yom Kippur War.
Step-by-step explanation:
The idea for the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) originated not just in the Middle East but also with initial contributions from countries like Venezuela, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia. Founded in 1960, OPEC was established as an economic alliance with the goal to regulate the global oil market and maximize profits from oil exports. The creators of OPEC recognized the need to reverse the power structure, making countries that imported oil, dependent on the oil-producing countries. The 1973 Yom Kippur War led to an important turning point, with OPEC members initiating an oil embargo that caused energy crisis and increased oil prices, revealing the collective power of OPEC members to influence global politics and economics.
Additionally, the embargo was partly a reaction to the disparities in trade, as OPEC members felt that the price of the Western goods was inflated while the price for their oil did not match the growing demand. Over the years, despite predictions to the contrary, OPEC has managed to stay cohesive, likely due to a combination of economic and non-economic reasons, including geopolitical influence and collective bargaining power.