Score:
9.5/15
Analyze what earned this score 🔥
Topper’s Copy
GS2
International Relations
15 marks
What are the major causes of the Saudi-Houthi conflict in Yemen? Discuss its consequences for regional peace and security.
Student’s Answer
Evaluation by SuperKalam
Demand of the Question
- Major causes of the Saudi-Houthi conflict in Yemen
- Consequences for regional peace and security
What you wrote:
The Saudi-Houthis Conflict has evolved from yemen's internal conflict/power struggle into a regional security crises threatening Gulf Stability, humanitarian security & global maritime trade.
The Saudi-Houthis Conflict has evolved from yemen's internal conflict/power struggle into a regional security crises threatening Gulf Stability, humanitarian security & global maritime trade.
Suggestions to improve:
- Could begin with a more specific recent context (e.g., "The Saudi-Houthi conflict, which began in 2014 and escalated with Saudi intervention in 2015, has transformed Yemen into the world's worst humanitarian crisis while threatening critical global shipping lanes")
What you wrote:
Major Causes of the Conflict
(1) Political instability -> The failed post Arab spring transition weakened Yemen's government under Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi
(2) Houthis grievance -> Political marginalization fuelled expansion, Houthis captured Sana'a in 2014
(3) Saudi Security -> Cross border attack via missiles & drone threaten's Saudi's Southern border.
(4) Iran-Saudi rivalry -> Iranian military support to the Houthis intensified regional competition for strategic influence
(5) Military Intervention -> Saudi Arabia launched Operation Decisive Storm (2015) to restore yemen's internationally recognised government.
(6) Strategic Interest -> Control of Red Sea ports & Bab-al-Mandab Strait offers leverage over shipping.
Major Causes of the Conflict
(1) Political instability -> The failed post Arab spring transition weakened Yemen's government under Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi
(2) Houthis grievance -> Political marginalization fuelled expansion, Houthis captured Sana'a in 2014
(3) Saudi Security -> Cross border attack via missiles & drone threaten's Saudi's Southern border.
(4) Iran-Saudi rivalry -> Iranian military support to the Houthis intensified regional competition for strategic influence
(5) Military Intervention -> Saudi Arabia launched Operation Decisive Storm (2015) to restore yemen's internationally recognised government.
(6) Strategic Interest -> Control of Red Sea ports & Bab-al-Mandab Strait offers leverage over shipping.
Suggestions to improve:
- Could elaborate on the sectarian dimension (e.g., "The conflict reflects broader Sunni-Shia rivalry, with Saudi Arabia viewing Iranian support to Zaid Shia Houthis as a direct threat to Sunni-majority regional order")
- Can include economic causes (e.g., "Yemen's economic collapse and competition over oil/gas resources in Marib province intensified the conflict")
- Could explain tribal dynamics (e.g., "Houthi alliance with former President Saleh's tribal networks initially strengthened their military position until their fallout in 2017")
What you wrote:
Consequences
(1) Humanitarian Crises -> Displacement, Hunger & healthcare collapse devastate yemen
(2) Maritime insecurity -> Houthis attacks threaten Red sea shipping & navigation
Eg Houthis seizure of Perim Island (2020)
(3) Regional escalation -> Cross border attacks risks widening West asian hostilities. Eg Oct, 2026 attack on Riyadh airport
(4) Global trade disruption -> Red sea insecurity ↑shipping costs & threatens the Suez Canal trade corridor
(5) Energy Insecurity -> Attacks on Saudi's infrastructure including Abqaiq (2019) threatens global energy supplies.
(6) Militarisation -> The 2026 Mecca Defense alliance involving Saudi Arabia, Pakistan & Turkiye risks widening military involvement
Consequences
(1) Humanitarian Crises -> Displacement, Hunger & healthcare collapse devastate yemen
(2) Maritime insecurity -> Houthis attacks threaten Red sea shipping & navigation
Eg Houthis seizure of Perim Island (2020)
(3) Regional escalation -> Cross border attacks risks widening West asian hostilities. Eg Oct, 2026 attack on Riyadh airport
(4) Global trade disruption -> Red sea insecurity ↑shipping costs & threatens the Suez Canal trade corridor
(5) Energy Insecurity -> Attacks on Saudi's infrastructure including Abqaiq (2019) threatens global energy supplies.
(6) Militarisation -> The 2026 Mecca Defense alliance involving Saudi Arabia, Pakistan & Turkiye risks widening military involvement
Suggestions to improve:
- Must correct the Perim Island timeline (e.g., "Houthis' capture of Perim Island in September 2026 further threatens Bab al-Mandab shipping")
- Could include impact on Indian economic and strategic security interests (e.g., "The conflict threatens 8+ million Indian diaspora in the Gulf and increases crude oil freight/insurance premiums for India")
- Can mention refugee spillover (e.g., "Over 4 million internally displaced Yemenis and refugee flows to neighboring countries strain regional resources")
What you wrote:
[FLOWCHART:
"Way forward" in an oval directs three arrows to:
-> "Revive UN-mediated negotiations for inclusive yemeni settlement."
-> "Strengthen Saudi-Iranian dialogue & regional confidence building."
-> "Protect civilians, humanitarian access & freedom of navigation."]
Sustainable peace requires resolving Yemen's Political grievances while preventing regional rivalries from escalating into wider conflict.
[FLOWCHART:
"Way forward" in an oval directs three arrows to:
-> "Revive UN-mediated negotiations for inclusive yemeni settlement."
-> "Strengthen Saudi-Iranian dialogue & regional confidence building."
-> "Protect civilians, humanitarian access & freedom of navigation."]
Sustainable peace requires resolving Yemen's Political grievances while preventing regional rivalries from escalating into wider conflict.
Suggestions to improve:
- Could emphasize India's role in regional stability (e.g., "India's balanced diplomacy and humanitarian assistance can contribute to conflict resolution while protecting its Gulf diaspora and energy security interests")
The answer demonstrates good structural understanding and includes relevant recent developments. However, it contains a factual error regarding Perim Island timeline and misses crucial aspects like Indian interests and sectarian dimensions that are essential for comprehensive UPSC analysis.
Demand of the Question
- Major causes of the Saudi-Houthi conflict in Yemen
- Consequences for regional peace and security
What you wrote:
The Saudi-Houthis Conflict has evolved from yemen's internal conflict/power struggle into a regional security crises threatening Gulf Stability, humanitarian security & global maritime trade.
The Saudi-Houthis Conflict has evolved from yemen's internal conflict/power struggle into a regional security crises threatening Gulf Stability, humanitarian security & global maritime trade.
Suggestions to improve:
- Could begin with a more specific recent context (e.g., "The Saudi-Houthi conflict, which began in 2014 and escalated with Saudi intervention in 2015, has transformed Yemen into the world's worst humanitarian crisis while threatening critical global shipping lanes")
More Challenges
View All- View Challenge
GS3
Science & Technology
Yesterday
As Artificial Intelligence becomes increasingly autonomous, concerns about its safety and reliability are growing. Discuss the major risks associated with autonomous AI systems and suggest measures for their safe and responsible development.
- View Challenge
GS4
Ethics: Theory
11 Oct, 2026
What is probity in governance? Explain its importance in public administration with suitable examples.
- View Challenge
GS2
International Relations
10 Oct, 2026
Recent restrictions on H-1B visas by the United States have raised concerns for Indian professionals. Discuss their implications for India and suggest measures to address these challenges.
SuperKalam is your personal mentor for UPSC preparation, guiding you at every step of the exam journey.
Download the App
STUDY RESOURCES
CONTACT US
ⓒ Snapstack Technologies Private Limited