Sana'a Center for Strategic Studies

Sana'a Center For Strategic Studies
Formation2014 (2014)
Founded atSanaa, Yemen
TypePublic policy think tank
HeadquartersAl Hijaz Street, near Caltex Roundabout, Al Mansoura District
Location

The Sana'a Center For Strategic Studies is a Yemeni think tank based in Sanaa.

Overview

The origins of the Sana'a Center are derived from a meeting in 2014 between Yemeni activists who had taken part in the revolution but sought further democratic and civil reforms in Yemen. The group decided to form their own research group to "to take ownership of the narrative on Yemen" rather than acting as subordinates for other organizations.[1] Co-founder Farea al-Muslimi said: "I was frustrated with the very little content internationally about Yemen and the fact that, when there is content, it is rubbish. So, we [started] the Sana'a Center. A Yemeni platform by Yemenis, for Yemenis, and to do research on Yemen."[2]

The Sana'a Center's mission has been to produce research on Yemen and the larger region which influences change and public policy on a local, regional, and international level.[3][4] The think tank seeks to challenge misconceptions about Yemen in the Western world and narratives from the parties involved in the Yemeni civil war. Issues concerning youth, women and minorities are consistently amplified by the group.[3]

Noted as one of few independent research centers continuing to operate within Yemen,[4] the Sana'a Center was originally based in Sanaa[5] but has since moved its headquarters to Aden.[6] According to researcher Yazeed Al-Jeddawy, the Sana'a Center maintains a large presence across Yemen and ensures safety for contributors. It highly values a local focus on "inclusive peace work" with the implementation of solutions to issues on the ground in Yemen.[3] It retains cordial relations with the major belligerents of the civil war and connections to many figures and stakeholders, but maintains a neutral and independent position. According to Just Security, it "has thus maintained a unique positioning and ability to work throughout Yemen and beyond, distinguishing itself as an emerging leader in Yemen-related research and analysis."[4]

On a global level, the Sana'a Center has a large presence within the international community, and its reports and researchers have been quoted by international media outlets. It also regularly provides consulting services to local and international stakeholders.[4] The Peace Research Institute Oslo regarded the Sana'a Center's research on political, economic and social dynamics in Yemen as "authoritative",[7] while the Middle East Institute referred to it as "Yemen's premier think-tank".[8]

Programs

The Sana'a Center produces research and articles in both Arabic and English.[3] Muslimi served as its first chairperson from 2014 until 2022.[8]

References

  1. ↑ "Sana'a Center for Strategic Studies". Robert Bosch Stiftung. 2024. Archived from the original on 6 December 2024. Retrieved 26 August 2026.
  2. ↑ Aboueldahab, Noha (24 April 2019). "Reclaiming Yemen: The role of the Yemeni professional diaspora" (PDF). Brookings Doha Center. pp. 17–18. Retrieved 26 August 2026.
  3. 1 2 3 4 Fuchs, Isabel (29 May 2026). "How does diversity succeed in Yemen? And what does that even mean in the Middle East?". Robert Bosch Stiftung. Archived from the original on 28 July 2026. Retrieved 30 July 2026.
  4. 1 2 3 4 "Sana'a Center for Strategic Studies". Just Security. 4 September 2019. Retrieved 30 July 2026.
  5. ↑ Schwedler, Jillian (17 August 2016). "Yemeni Parliamentarians Vote to Form a New Government". Atlantic Council. Retrieved 30 July 2026.
  6. ↑ Haquet, Charles; Dayan, Asia (29 July 2026). "Bloquer le détroit de Bab-el-Mandeb? Le scénario cauchemardesque pour l'économie mondiale". Orange Actualités (in French). L'Express. Retrieved 30 July 2026.
  7. ↑ "Sana'a Center for Strategic Studies visits PRIO". Peace Research Institute Oslo. 16 December 2019. Retrieved 30 July 2026.
  8. 1 2 "Aftershocks from the Red Sea". Middle East Institute. 14 March 2024. Retrieved 30 July 2026.