State Failure and Fragility: Causes, Cases, Discussions

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DOI :10.26650/B/SSc21.2024.025.05   IUP :10.26650/B/SSc21.2024.025.05    Full Text (PDF)

Sectarian Dynamics and Failed States: The Weaponization of Sectarian Identities as a Driver of Instability in Yemen and Syria

Konstantinos Zarras

The main aim of this article is to explore the intricate relationship between sectarian dynamics and the notion of state failure, focusing on the broader Middle Eastern context, with a particular emphasis on the situations in Syria and Yemen. The central question to be addressed is the extent to which the realignment of political forces along sectarian lines has acted as a significant catalyst for state collapse within the region. The paper will look into the Syrian case, aiming to move beyond the simplistic portrayal of the conflict as a mere “Sunni versus Shia” proxy war. This portrayal only scratches the surface of a highly complex and multifaceted conflict that is characterized by localized dynamics, external interventions, and a variety of nuances. The objective is to determine the degree to which sectarianism has played a pivotal role in the downfall of the Syrian state amidst the tumultuous period of the Arab Uprisings. Shifting the focus to Yemen, the article will examine the internal divisions between the Zaydi Shia and Sunni groups and attempt to answer whether they constitute a critical factor contributing to the country’s vulnerability


Keywords: Sectarianism, failed state, Syria, Yemen, Arab uprisings

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