This book analyzes the formal and the informal structures of the Yemeni political system, in their constitutional, legal, and practical manifestations. The underpinning goal of such an endeavor is to assess the extent to which the system guarantees, and allows citizens to exercise and develop political citizenship rights as voters, candidates, or as influential participants in public policy making. Especial attention is paid to the question of whether political arrangements fulfill the conditions of accountability and mutual control among the three branches of government—the executive, legislative, and the judiciary. To rigorously evaluate the status of political citizenship in Yemen, the study relies not only on the analysis of the political system, but it also employs some common international measures of political rights, democracy, and transformation. While the study focuses on Yemen, the general model reflected is shared by most Arab countries.

This book is written for general audience and it is recommended for those with interest in Middle Eastern politics, Arab politics, politics of developing nations, and politics of citizenship.