Proxy War in Yemen

This book analyses the civil war in Yemen and how intervening external actors have shaped the trajectory of the conflict.

Format: Hardback
Length: 126 pages
Publication date: 15 November 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The civil war in Yemen has been a complex and multifaceted conflict, with numerous external actors playing a significant role in shaping its trajectory. This book aims to analyze the civil war in Yemen and explore how intervening external actors have influenced the conflict's course.

The conflict in Yemen has been characterized by its international dimensions, as it has involved the geopolitical interests of several intervening powers. The longstanding power rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran over Middle East supremacy has played a central role in the conflict. Tehran and the Gulf coalition led by Riyadh have used the Houthi and Hadi regime, respectively, as proxies in their efforts to influence the outcome of the war.

The intervention by external powers has had profound consequences for the civilian population in Yemen. The conflict has resulted in widespread human rights abuses, including the use of indiscriminate bombing campaigns and the targeting of civilian infrastructure. The conflict has also led to a devastating humanitarian crisis, with millions of people facing food insecurity, disease, and displacement.

One of the key factors that have prolonged the civil war in Yemen is the often contradictory and self-interested patronage strategies of the coalitions two central patrons, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. While both powers have expressed a desire to contain Iran and support the Houthi rebels, their approaches have differed significantly. Saudi Arabia has provided financial and military support to the Hadi regime, while the United Arab Emirates has supported the Houthi rebels with weapons and logistics.

However, Iran's support for the Houthis has enabled them to bait and bleed the Gulf coalition. The Houthis have used their military capabilities to launch successful attacks on coalition forces, forcing them to expend resources and commit troops to the conflict. This has prolonged the conflict and made it more difficult for the coalition to achieve its goals.

In an effort to balance against Iran, the United States has underwritten the military campaign of the Gulf states with military hardware and personnel. While the United States has expressed a desire to support the Gulf states in their efforts to combat terrorism and promote stability in the region, its intervention has further prolonged the conflict and contributed to the humanitarian disaster.

The book concludes that intervention by external patrons has both protracted the civil war and made it far more destructive for the civilian population. The conflict in Yemen has become a testing ground for expectations about the autonomy and control of proxies by external patrons, and the direct consequences for civilian victimization and the duration of war have been profound.

In conclusion, the civil war in Yemen has been a complex and multifaceted conflict, with numerous external actors playing a significant role in shaping its trajectory. The intervention by external powers has had profound consequences for the civilian population, including widespread human rights abuses, a devastating humanitarian crisis, and a prolonged conflict. The book concludes that intervention by external patrons has both protracted the civil war and made it far more destructive for the civilian population. It is essential to understand the complex dynamics of the conflict and work towards a peaceful resolution that addresses the underlying political, social, and economic issues contributing to the conflict.

Weight: 403g
Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032201665