The Revolution That Consumed Its Children

Yemenat

Mohammed Al-Mekhlafi

More than a decade after the February 2011 revolution in Yemen and the ensuing complexities, Yemeni writer and researcher Jazem Saif presents a sociological approach in his book “The Modern State and the Peaceful Revolution in Yemen.” This work sheds light on the events of the Change Square in Sana’a. Comprising 194 pages and published by Mawaeed Publishing for Studies, Translation, and Publication in Sana’a, Yemen, in 2024, the book addresses a critical phase in Yemen’s history, allowing for a deeper understanding of these events beyond the noise and emotions.

In his introduction, Ahmed Al-Salami notes that the passage of time now permits a calm reflection. He believes the book transcends the minutiae of events to capture the diversity of discourses in the square and how Yemenis envisioned the modern state they had long dreamed of.

The book presents a clear paradox: despite the deep desire for change, society lacked a clear vision for a viable alternative. This absence of a coherent vision led to a mere replacement of individuals without achieving any real transformation in the system, contributing to the country’s slide into chaos and ongoing divisions. Saif emphasizes profound issues that hindered the revolution’s success, such as the confusion between regime and state. The fall of the president did not necessarily imply the construction of a new state; rather, it resulted in the collapse of state institutions. The book also discusses the lack of a clear alternative, where emotional discourses overshadowed practical solutions, alongside the failure of political parties to propose a modern alternative representing the energy of the revolutionary youth.

The notion of the modern state is a central concern for thinkers in the Arab world, especially in light of the changes witnessed during the Arab Spring. The book aims to explore this complex