Yemen is in the grip of its most severe crisis in years. The civil war between the Huthi rebels and the Western and Arab supporters of the regime has resulted in thousands killed and three million displaced. Those who remain suffer severe food shortages and a collapsed economy. The struggle for power in the Arab world's poorest but strategically vital nation has serious implications for the region and beyond. While Egypt and Saudi Arabia fear that a Huthi takeover would threaten free passage of oil through the Bab al-Mandab strait, western governments fear a rise of attacks from al-Qa'ida and IS as the country becomes more unstable. In this invaluable analysis, Helen Lackner uncovers the social and political conflicts that threaten the very survival of the state and its people. She reveals the corruption of the country's US-backed autocratic regime and how it failed to address national impoverishment and to plan an equitable economy for Yemen's growing population.

Yemen is in the grip of its most severe crisis in years. The struggle for power in the Arab world's poorest but strategically vital nation has serious implications for the region and beyond. In this invaluable analysis, Helen Lackner uncovers the social and political conflicts that threaten the very survival of the state and its people. 'A superb book written by an outstanding author whose knowledge of Yemen is unparalleled... an indispensable guide.' Dr Noel Brehony CMG, former Chairman British-Yemeni Society; 'An outstanding book that provides answers to all of the questions raised by Yemen's many crises since 2011. Written with compassion and insight.' Eugene Rogan, University of Oxford; 'An eminently valuable account of Yemen's modern history and current travails.' Roger Owen, Harvard University