ABSTRACT
For over two decades OPEC proved to be the most formidable raw material cartel ever formed by a group of developing countries. Until recently it ably withstood international economic and political forces aimed at disintegrating the unity of the organisation. The old adage, 'unity is strength', still holds good for OPEC inspite of its present problems. The old adage, 'unity is strength', still holds good for OPEC inspite of its present problems. Debtor members of OPEC such as Nigeria, Iran, Indonesia, Venezuela, Iraq and Algeria have been able to redeem their international images and restore their credit standing. The struggle between Iran and Iraq will certainly affect the very existence of OPEC. The Vienna drama was a pointer to the dangers the presence of combatant member nations would pose to the organisation. The Middle East geopolitical factor poses to a large extent a greater threat to OPEC than probably other forces external to OPEC.
