Master’s Degree Awarded to Mr. Moath Abdulkarim Al-Jammali in Political Science

Mr. Moath Abdulkarim Abdulwahab Al-Jammali was awarded a Master’s Degree in Political Science with an average of Excellent and a grade of (92) for his thesis titled: Yemeni–Saudi Relations (2011–2014), which was submitted to the Department of Political Science – Political Science Division – Sana’a University. The MA defense was held on Tuesday, December 9, 2025.

The MA Viva-voce Committee, which was formed based on a resolution issued by the Graduate Studies and Scientific Research Council, consisted of the following:

#	Committee Members	Designation	Position
1	Prof. Mansour Aziz Hamoud Al-Zandani	Internal Examiner	Chair
2	Prof. Khadija Ahmed Ali Al-Haisami	Main Supervisor	Member
3	Prof. Nabil Ali Ahmed Al-Sharjabi	External Examiner	Member

The study primarily aimed to examine the impact of local, regional, and international variables on Yemeni–Saudi relations during the transitional phase following the Arab Spring (2011–2014).

The study yielded a number of key findings summarized as follows:

Yemeni–Saudi relations prior to the Arab Spring were characterized by fluctuation between cooperation and conflict, largely shaped by the border disputes.
Saudi Arabia maintained a dual relationship with Yemen: formally with Yemeni state institutions, and informally, politically and financially, with numerous tribal, religious, and political leaders through what is known as the “Special Committee.”
Yemen’s potential membership in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) remained dependent on the state of Yemeni–Saudi relations; periods of improved relations strengthened this possibility, while periods of tension significantly weakened it, given that Saudi Arabia is the primary gateway for any Yemeni integration into the Gulf system.
During the 2011 Arab Spring, Saudi Arabia sought to contain the Yemeni youth revolution through the Gulf Initiative out of concern about the spread of regional unrest.
Domestic transformations in both Yemen and Saudi Arabia during the study period (2011–2014) contributed to a decline in bilateral relations.
Regional shifts following the Arab Spring further strained relations, as Saudi Arabia adjusted its priorities in Yemen and reduced its presence there.
The deepening international influence in Yemen after the Arab Spring drove a significant wedge in Yemeni–Saudi relations, reflected in clear indicators of decline across political, security, and economic levels.

In light of these findings, the researcher recommended the following:

Enhancing cooperation and complementarity between Yemen and Saudi Arabia on political, economic, and security fronts, given the long-standing geographical proximity and shared interests.
Ensuring that bilateral relations are governed by diplomatic norms, mutual respect, and state-to-state engagement, rather than informal networks that have ultimately proven ineffective.
Encouraging Saudi Arabia to support Yemen’s accession to the GCC, as this would strengthen Yemen’s political presence and demographic weight and benefit both sides.
Shifting the relationship toward development and economic cooperation—such as establishing joint markets and free-trade zones on both sides of the border—instead of relying on previous security-centric approaches like border fences and buffer zones.
Developing Saudi analytical tools to achieve a deeper understanding of Yemen’s political and social structures, and avoiding unfair treatment of Yemeni expatriates affected by recent regulatory changes.
Encouraging Saudi Arabia to play an active role in financing Yemen’s reconstruction programs, in coordination with regional and international partners, and in supporting Yemen’s economy.
Promoting Saudi cooperation with regional and international stakeholders to help facilitate a comprehensive political settlement to the Yemeni crisis that safeguards the interests of all parties.

The defense session was attended by faculty members, researchers, students, colleagues, and the researcher’s family.