When protests occurred in southern Yemen shortly after Yemen's unification in 1990, they were fueled, among other things, by the decline of the Yemeni riyal's value and bad living conditions. It didn't take long for the summer war of 1994 between North and South Yemen to break out, and the war concluded in favor of North Yemen. Despite the fact that the conflict had finished, the reasons - or at least part of them - remained the same: horrible living conditions.
Poverty and conflict have a complicated and interrelated relationship. Because of competition for limited resources such as land, water, food, and energy, poverty can be a root cause of war. This competitiveness can lead to violence and conflict, especially in places where government or institutional support is lacking. Conflict, on the other hand, can increase poverty by disrupting economic activity, destroying infrastructure, and displacing communities. This can lead to even more economic hardship and deprivation, continuing the poverty and conflict cycle.
In Yemen, the interdependence of poverty and conflict is plainly visible. Poor living conditions in southern Yemen sparked protests in the early 1990s, then nationwide protests and unrest between 2010 and 2014, culminating in war in 2015, causing widespread infrastructure destruction and effectively halting economic growth. Yemen is one of the poorest countries in the Middle East and North Africa, and it is estimated that 71-78 percent of the Yemeni population is affected by poverty.
Poverty has far-reaching and deep effects on people and societies. Individuals living in poverty may have restricted access to basic essentials like food, shelter, and health care, as well as educational and employment possibilities. This can have long-term consequences for their physical and mental health, as well as their social mobility and overall well-being.
Poverty can contribute to lower levels of economic growth, higher rates of crime and violence, and more social discontent in countries. It can also increase existing disparities, perpetuate a cycle of disadvantage for particular groups, and even contribute to the growth of terrorist organizations or the employment of terrorist means by opponents to achieve their objectives. As a result, the greater the poverty, the more difficult it is to escape the struggle.
Understanding the connection between poverty and war is essential for designing successful policies and initiatives to address these concerns. Poverty can be both a cause and a result of conflict since economic hardship can lead to social and political instability, and conflict can increase poverty and stymie economic development.
We can help avert violence and promote peace and stability by addressing poverty and supporting economic growth, or at least maintaining a reasonable level of it. Furthermore, tackling the core causes of conflict, such as poverty and inequality, might aid in the development of more resilient societies and lessen the likelihood of future wars.
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