Uncertainty (which the war causes in the region) will cause a downward pressure on their currencies along with less oil exports as you say. But there are a lot of factors that go into the value of a currency. Their central banks could increase the interest rates for example.

This is when I repeat the mantra “I’m paid by the hour” 25 times.

It’s your question so you get to decide. The pope is elected from the high ranking catholic priests. So very much a theocracy in that sense. And it seems largely based on merit.

However it’s a micro nation that could function basically the same if they rented the place instead of being sovregin.

I think authoritarian is the word you’re looking for.

A fascist is authoritarian and nationalistic. A theocracy you’re thinking of would be authoritarian and religious.

Anyway what is your ruling on the varican city? Does that qualify as a theocracy?

It will probably get replaced by coal meanwhile.

I live next to the regional hospital, I’ll probably be one of the first to turn into a zombie.

The US have been a net exporter of oil since 2020 something due to domestic shale oil. The meme about US starting wars to get more oil was probably valid in 2003 but not in 2026.

What they can do is try to cause a 1970s oil crisis in China, who is a net importer. China can and does invest massively in EV, solar and wind to reduce this vulnerability.