Answer :
I think that the key word here is "effects" - the study would be into effects of oil - so not other oil-related topics.
Because of this the correct answer is
a. How does oil shape social, political, and economic conditions in southwest Asia?
here the word "shape" is a synonym to "create and influence" - so it's about the effect!
Because of this the correct answer is
a. How does oil shape social, political, and economic conditions in southwest Asia?
here the word "shape" is a synonym to "create and influence" - so it's about the effect!