The 11th Yemen Exchange An Intensive Online Course on Yemen
May 5-16, 2025 16:00 - 20:00 Sana'a / 9:00-13:00 ET Monday-Friday
The 11th Yemen Exchange is an intensive online version of the Yemen Exchange organized by the Sana’a Center and The Exchange Foundation. The course is designed to provide unique access to information, perspectives, updates, and analysis on Yemen for those seeking to develop a working background on the country as well as those already thoroughly versed in its dynamics. During the ten-day program conducted online, participants from around the world will listen to Yemeni analysts, academics, politicians, bureaucrats, business leaders, and international experts to gain insight and rare first-hand knowledge about the country from a wide range of perspectives. Participants will have the chance to both virtually engage with speakers during the sessions and connect with speakers individually after the Exchange.
The sessions themselves – totaling more than 30 hours – will dive into several specific areas, including but not limited to: Yemen’s multifaceted conflicts, socio-political dynamics, internal divisions and alliances among parties to the conflict, developments in the southern governorates, military and political developments on the ground, the status of various armed groups, gender issues, the regional battle for Yemen, the international response, the state of the economy, the UN-led peace process, the Red Sea Crisis, and a variety of other topics.
All costs related to The Yemen Exchange are funded by participant fees, except for scholarships provided by both organizations (see below). There is no supplementary government or private sector support, a fact that allows us to assure participants of a relatively independent platform for the exchange of information, open dialogue, and understanding.
All sessions are held under the Chatham House Rule, with some sessions consisting of only one speaker in order to assure as open and unfiltered a discussion as possible when covering sensitive topics. Simultaneous translation to English and Arabic will be provided.
Before the course begins, accepted applicants will receive a course syllabus and the final agenda. Throughout the course, necessary agenda updates will be communicated with the participants on a daily basis. Participants are encouraged to connect with experts and speakers after the sessions, to pursue deeper lines of questioning for their own work and research, subject to each speaker’s approval.
Applying for a scholarship – The Yemen Exchange currently has five scholarships (covering the participation fee) available for researchers who will deepen the social, political and geographic diversity of the Exchange and who can demonstrate both a lack of institutional support or ability to self-fund, and a deep interest in Yemen. For questions related to scholarships, email [email protected].
Please note that the agenda may be subject to change.
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Who is fighting whom, where, and why?This session will be a deep dive into political alliances, divisions and conflicts within Yemen. Analysts will elaborate on current frontlines, armed groups and local and regional actors as well as other stakeholders and unexplored roots of the war.
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Political Representative SessionsIn this session, political representatives from various factions – including Yemeni political parties and international stakeholders – will share their perspectives on Yemen’s future. Discussions will focus on governance, peace efforts, and key political priorities, offering insights into potential pathways for reconciliation and stability.
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The HouthisThis session will provide an in-depth analysis of the Houthi movement, exploring its origins, internal structure, and evolving objectives. Experts will examine the group’s leadership dynamics, decision-making processes, and ideological foundations, shedding light on how internal divisions and external pressures shape their strategies. The discussion will also address the Houthis' broader political and military ambitions, offering insights into their role in Yemen’s ongoing conflict and regional dynamics.
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The Red Sea CrisisThis data-driven session analyzes Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, their impact on maritime trade and humanitarian aid, and links to the Israel-Gaza conflict. Experts will present key data and trends to assess regional implications and broader geopolitical stakes.
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Gender-based Violence in YemenThis session will focus on the prevalence and impact of gender-based violence (GBV) in Yemen amidst the ongoing conflict. Experts will discuss the root causes, the experiences of women and girls, and the challenges in addressing GBV, with a particular focus on its prevalence within the humanitarian aid sector.
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The Saudi PerspectiveThis session explores Saudi Arabia’s view on Yemen, examining how Riyadh’s economic and security priorities shape its policies. Experts will analyze Yemen’s role in Saudi regional strategy, including shifting alliances, de-escalation efforts, and long-term economic and security considerations.
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The SouthThis session examines the dynamics in southern Yemen, including political actors, governance structures, and aspirations for autonomy or independence. Experts will analyze internal divisions, alliances, and how southern issues fit into the broader conflict and regional geopolitical landscape.
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Implications of the FTO DesignationThis session takes a deep dive into the economic consequences of the Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) designation. Experts will analyze its impact on trade, financial flows, humanitarian aid, and broader economic stability, alongside its effects on diplomacy and conflict dynamics.
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Non-State Actors in the Red Sea RegionThis session will provide an in-depth analysis of non-state actors on both sides of the Red Sea, focusing on their economic, political, and military influence. Experts will explore the impact of these actors on regional stability, trade routes, and security, with a particular focus on their interactions and alliances.
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Oil ExportsThis session will explore how the resumption of oil exports could support Yemen’s economic recovery. Experts will analyze the potential for revitalizing Yemen’s oil sector, its impact on the national economy, and the broader geopolitical and security considerations surrounding the restoration of exports.
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Yemeni Soldiers: Recruitment at Home and AbroadThis session will explore the recruitment of Yemeni soldiers into both domestic armed groups and foreign conflicts, including those fighting for Russia in Ukraine. Experts will examine the mechanisms, motivations, and networks enabling these recruitments, as well as the broader implications for Yemen’s military dynamics and its involvement in global conflicts.
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Tribal Law: A Foundation for Transitional JusticeThis session will explore how traditional legal systems can be integrated into formal justice processes, addressing accountability, reconciliation, and the restoration of social order in post-conflict Yemen.
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Yemeni Integration Into Gulf Economic VisionsThis session will examine Yemen’s potential integration into the GCC and the Gulf’s economic frameworks and development plans. Experts will discuss the opportunities and challenges of Yemen’s participation in Gulf-led initiatives, exploring how economic cooperation could shape Yemen’s economic recovery, stability, and regional relations.
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Iran’s New Axis of ResistanceThe October 7 attacks have reshaped Iran’s Axis of Resistance. In this session, regional experts will discuss how the Axis has reconfigured, focusing on Iran’s evolving relationships with armed groups, including the Houthis in Yemen. The panel will analyze the strategic partnership and its impact on Yemen’s conflict and regional dynamics.
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Tribes and PoliticsThis session will delve into the intersection of tribal structures and political dynamics in Yemen. Experts will examine how tribes influence governance, conflict dynamics, and political alliances, exploring their role in shaping both local and national power structures within the broader context of Yemen’s ongoing conflict.
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Tracing the Houthis’ Arsenals and Smuggling NetworksThis session will examine the critical intersection between illicit smuggling networks and the Houthis’ military capabilities. Experts will explore how the smuggling of weapons, goods, and resources sustains both the Houthi war effort and Yemen’s shadow economy. The discussion will also provide an in-depth analysis of the Houthis' arsenal—its origins, evolution, and strategic impact—while assessing the broader implications for regional stability, security, and governance.
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The Presidential Leadership CouncilThis session will examine Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council and its ability to shape the country’s political future. Experts will discuss its formation, leadership dynamics, the challenges it faces in navigating Yemen’s complex conflict, governance, and potential reforms.
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Oman’s Role in YemenThis session will explore Oman’s unique role in the Yemen conflict, focusing on its mediation efforts and diplomatic engagement. Experts will analyze Oman’s balancing act between supporting peace initiatives, maintaining regional relationships, and navigating its strategic interests within the broader Gulf and Middle Eastern context.
Deadline April 30, 2025
