IAEE 1986 Annual Conference: Debate Between T. Boone Pickens and Lester C. Thurow

Editor's Note: The following is a slightly edited version of the debate "Policy Implications of Oil Industry Restructuring" held at the Eighth Annual North American Conference of the I.A.E.E. in November 1986. The discussants were Mr. T. Boone Pickens (General Partner of Mesa Limited Partnership) and Professor Lester C. Thurow (noted author and the newly announced dean of M.I.T.'s Sloan School of Management). Mr. Pickens is a leader in the recent restructuring of the oil industry, while Professor Thurow is a prominent analyst of its implications. This debate (with the question-and-answer session omitted for reasons of space) is presented because of the importance of the issues discussed, the caliber of the speakers, and the colorful and lively exchange of ideas.