Monocentric Governance and the Rise of Sectarian Conflict in Yemen

Yemenis, a religiously diverse people, have experienced civil conflicts and wars legitimized or perpetuated by sectarian beliefs in ways only a few other countries have. This chapter explains how governmental centralization, or monocentricity, played a central role in exacerbating and perpetuating sectarianism in Yemen. Instead of viewing sectarianism as a purely ideological phenomenon or solely a product of foreign interference, this chapter argues that it is severely intensified by monocentric institutions introduced to Yemen after the North Yemen Civil War of 1962–1970. Specifically, it sheds light on the interaction of ideological diversity with monocentric and polycentric governance institutions. It discusses three disadvantages of monocentric institutions in dealing with religious diversity and reciprocally three benefits of polycentric institutions that aid the peaceful management of religious diversity. The paper expands on theoretical explanations for why monocentric institutions will likely intensify ideological fractionalization. Then, the paper presents evidence of the harms of monocentric governance in exacerbating sectarianism in the context of Yemen. The effects of the monocentric institutions in Yemen persist today. This chapter has critical implications for future institutional arrangements in Yemen to reduce sectarian conflict.