Yemen State, Sect and Tribe

This book offers a multidisciplinary analysis of the political, legal, economic, sociological, cultural and theological factors and their impact in shaping political machinations in Yemen. It seeks to challenge a number of prominent assumptions around the salience of sectarian difference as a driving force of the conflict, and to reject the idea that the conflict is purely a "proxy war" between Saudi Arabia and Iran. While it is generally accepted that sect-based identities were not central to the emergence of conflict, their manipulation and deployment has exacerbated divisions in a society deeply divided along tribal, political, economic, and religious lines, posing serious challenges to those engaged in peace building. The conflict in Yemen brings together a number of different points of tension, including between government and Houthis, Sunni and Shi'a, secessionist movements, an Al Qa'ida franchise (AQAP), and broader geopolitical rivalries, notably between Saudi Arabia and Iran.