Student Stories: Dheya Al-Saeedi – A Republic without the Public
In the world of academia, there are those whose paths are truly extraordinary, driven by a quest for understanding and a desire to make a difference. Dheya Al-Saeedi, a first-year student in the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs (NPSIA), is one such individual. His unique journey led to the authoring his compelling book titled, “A Republic without the Public: The Consequences of the State-Society Conflict in Yemen“
His work, currently available only in Arabic, carries a profound message about the political landscape in the Middle East, specifically in Yemen. The title itself, when translated by Al-Saeedi,
reflects the core of the book’s content. In the realm of politics, the concept of a republic implies the presence of an active individualistic citizenry, a population with direct relation with the government. However, as Al-Saeedi’s book reveals, Middle Eastern societies historically lacked this crucial element. The societies never engaged with rulers as individuals but rather as collective entities, comprised of tribes, religious groups, or even as one large collectivity, the Ummah. This unique historical relationship between the ruler and ruled gives rise to a persistent conflict between society and the modern Eurocentric state in post colonial era. The distinctive geographical terrain of Yemen, with its mountainous landscape and various tribes, further complicates the situation. At the heart of Al-Saeedi’s book lies a compelling thesis: it is unfeasible to construct a stable European-style state in the Middle East.
Al-Saeedi’s research journey was filled with revelations and challenges. He grew up in Yemen’s capital, which represented the epicenter of the modern state, giving him a state-centric perspective. However, as he delved deeper into research, he began to appreciate the significance of indigenous traditions and values in shaping Yemen’s political landscape. He discovered that the historical political narrative he had celebrated as a child was not a revolution but, a coup, supported by the Soviet Union. The challenge in his research was to sift through biased secondary sources and seek primary sources, such as treaties and correspondence, to uncover the truth about Yemen’s history.
Dheya Al-Saeedi’s journey and his book offer valuable lessons for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the Middle Eastern conflict. His advice is clear: if you have a question in your mind, do not stop until you find a satisfying answer. In a world filled with superficial information, the key is to dig deeper and uncover the truth. Dheya’s journey stands as a testament to the profound insights that lie at the heart of relentless inquiry.