went the way of

Copied their behaviour.

Note that I am by no means a literary genius, so I hope some other people more knowledgable will reply. But that's my read on it.

Re: went the way of


In this context, I believe it mean that OPEC did as the Saudis wanted it to on most occasions.

I have to disagree on that one Deb. Working in industry, I see my company "going the way of" the Americans. ie. Copying their business practises, management structures etc.