Securitization in Yemen, 2000-2010: Shifting Geographies of Political Contention

摘要

This thesis examines political conflict event data in Yemen from 2000-2010 to illustrate shifts in political contention and its effects on securitization in Yemen. It employs a geographic framework that interprets the influences of historical and geopolitical events on current political issues. It also critiques hegemonic discourse that underlies strategic and security reports. Methodologically, this thesis draws upon individual event data to illustrate the changes in type, scope, distribution, and severity of conflict in Yemen from 2000-2010. The conclusions assert that although terrorism was the main Yemeni issue of concern for the international community during those years, its impact on the Yemeni population was overshadowed by a growing opposition to the Saleh regime and by increasing regional conflicts that culminated in the Yemeni Spring of 2011.