ACSYS and Fair Observer Co-Host In-Depth Discussion on Yemen
The American Center for South Yemen Studies, in partnership with Fair Observer, co-hosted an in-depth live discussion on Yemen, bringing together experts and analysts to examine the country’s evolving political, security, and regional dynamics.
The webinar explored how Yemen reached its current crisis, beginning with the Houthi takeover of Sana’a in 2014, the collapse of the internationally recognized government’s authority in the north, and the subsequent attempt by the Houthis to expand into South Yemen. Panelists emphasized that South Yemen’s political, cultural, and historical identity remains distinct, and that any durable peace process must account for the realities on the ground rather than rely on outdated assumptions or frameworks.
A major theme of the discussion was the failure of international policy to fully understand the Houthis as both a domestic militia and a regional proxy actor. Speakers argued that years of concessions, strategic neglect, and misreading of Houthi behavior allowed the group to consolidate power and expand its threat beyond Yemen. The discussion also highlighted the Houthis’ alignment with Iran and the growing role of broader regional and global competition in the Red Sea.
The panel addressed why Yemen matters to the United States and the international community, particularly because of its location near Bab al-Mandab, the Red Sea, and vital global shipping lanes. Speakers noted that instability in Yemen does not remain contained within Yemen; it affects maritime security, energy prices, global trade, and the security interests of U.S. partners in the region.
The conversation also examined the limitations of ceasefires and side deals that fail to address the core drivers of the conflict. Panelists stressed the importance of working with actors who govern territory and maintain security on the ground, including Southern forces and institutions, rather than relying solely on political figures with limited influence inside Yemen.
Watch video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MqZnmoLcihc&t=3s
