Sana'a: Researcher Ahmed Mohammed Yahya Hamed has been awarded a Master's degree with an Excellent grade with Honors for his thesis titled 'U.S. Foreign Policy and Its Impact on Yemeni National Security' from the Department of Political Science at the Faculty of Commerce and Economics, Sana'a University.
According to Yemen News Agency, the thesis was examined by a committee chaired by Dr. Khadija al-Haisami, an internal examiner from Sana'a University. The committee also included Dr. Hani Mughles, serving as the scientific supervisor from Sana'a University, and Dr. Jamal al-Din al-Salmi, an external examiner from Ibb University. The research focused on the influence of U.S. foreign policy on various dimensions of Yemen's national security, including military, political, economic, cultural, and social aspects, over the period from 2001 to 2025.
The research aimed to uncover the determinants impacting U.S. foreign policy, the nature of American interests, and the strategies and slogans used to achieve these interests in the Arab region. It also sought to reveal the hidden objectives of U.S. foreign policy and its implementation methods, specifically concerning Yemen, and to understand the impact on Yemen's national security.
The study is deemed significant in the academic realm for shedding light on a crucial historical period filled with events and challenges. It addressed a pressing political issue of considerable importance to political and cultural elites in Yemen and the broader Arab and Islamic regions. The research utilized the national interest approach and the case study approach, along with content analysis, to interpret numerous American statements and positions on events during the study period.
Key findings of the study highlighted that U.S. foreign policy has had a profound impact on Yemen's national security. The military and security dimensions were notably affected, with the study citing crimes against citizens in conflicts such as the wars in Saada Governorate, the aggression against Yemen in 2015, and direct U.S. actions in 2023 and 2025. These actions were seen as violations of Yemen's sovereignty under the guise of counterterrorism, weakening the Yemeni army by dismantling its capabilities.
The political dimension was impacted through American influence over Yemeni political decisions, including the installation of an illegitimate president in 2012, leading to external aggression and political fragmentation. Economically, the U.S. foreign policy led to a decline in Yemen's economy, affecting state revenues, monetary policy, and causing poverty and infrastructure destruction.
Socially, U.S. foreign policy contributed to the disintegration of Yemen's social fabric, fostering secessionist movements, and cultural impacts were observed in the educational sector, where curricula were reportedly distorted to align with American objectives.
The thesis defense was attended by university officials, academics, students, and colleagues of the researcher, highlighting the significance of the study within the academic and political discourse.