<p>This review summarizes recent advances in oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts for anion exchange membrane water electrolysis (AEMWE). It begins by outlining the advantages of AEMWE for clean hydrogen production and the kinetic limitations imposed by the OER. The review systematically introduces OER reaction mechanisms, key performance parameters, and the latest developments in various catalyst materials. It focuses on the advantages, disadvantages, and performance optimization strategies of precious metal-based catalysts, iron-group metal-based catalysts, high-entropy materials, and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), alongside their catalytic behavior in alkaline environments. The article further explores the underlying mechanisms of the catalytic process from a chemical principles perspective, covering aspects like interfacial water structure, hydrogen-bond networks, ionic double-layer effects, and the dynamic reconstruction of active sites. Finally, it summarizes the main challenges currently facing AEMWE technology. The review concludes with an outlook on future research directions, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary approaches combining theoretical computation, <i>in-situ</i> characterization, and machine learning to design high-performance, low-cost, and longlife catalysts. This is crucial for advancing AEMWE towards large-scale commercial application and supporting the development of a green hydrogen economy.</p>