In recent years, the Gulf oil states have increasingly asserted their influence in global humanitarian efforts, leveraging their wealth to shape aid delivery mechanisms. Despite participating in some multilateral initiatives, these states predominantly favor bilateral aid. This preference raises questions about the underlying motivations and the impact of such strategies on recipient countries. Our study focuses on Yemen, where the Gulf states’ aid efforts have been particularly pronounced since the Saudi-led coalition’s intervention in 2015. The findings reveal a complex interplay of strategic interests and humanitarian considerations, with significant implications for peacebuilding, aid effectiveness and conflict dynamics.
The strategic deployment of bilateral aid by the Gulf states aligns with broader theories of aid allocation, which suggest that donor countries often use aid to pursue geopolitical, economic, and security objectives. This study builds on existing literature, which highlights the alignment of Gulf states’ aid practices with their national interests. By examining the specific case of Yemen, this research sheds light on how these strategies manifest in a conflict setting, with significant implications for regional peacebuilding.
The research employs a qualitative approach, utilizing data from 30 semi-structured in-depth interviews with key stakeholders involved in aid delivery and policy-making, as well as a comprehensive review of relevant literature and aid reports. This methodology allows for a nuanced understanding of the motivations and dynamics behind the Gulf states’ aid strategies.
The Gulf states’ preference for bilateral aid is driven by several strategic considerations. Bilateral aid enables Gulf states to forge and strengthen geopolitical alliances. In Yemen, Saudi Arabia and the UAE have used aid to support local actors aligned with their interests, such as the Southern Transitional Council (STC) and the National Resistance Movement, thereby exerting significant influence over the conflict’s trajectory. This influence could be valuable in convincing local actors to participate in, and abide by, future peace processes.
Additionally, bilateral aid serves as a tool for managing and mitigating conflict. By directing aid through bilateral channels, Gulf states can ensure that resources are allocated in ways that support their military and political objectives while also providing humanitarian assistance. Moreover, bilateral aid allows Gulf donors to bypass the bureaucratic complexities and inefficiencies often associated with multilateral aid channels. This control over aid delivery helps minimize delays and reduce the risk of aid diversion.
Despite their substantial financial contributions, Gulf states face significant challenges when engaging with multilateral aid organizations. These challenges include bureaucratic inefficiencies, as multilateral aid processes are often slow and cumbersome, leading to delays in aid delivery and increased operational costs. Furthermore, the risk of aid being diverted from its intended recipients is higher in multilateral frameworks, which can undermine the effectiveness of aid efforts. Additionally, the presence of multiple stakeholders in multilateral aid initiatives can lead to coordination problems, further complicating aid delivery and reducing its impact.
The Gulf states’ strategic use of bilateral aid has significant implications for the effectiveness of aid efforts in Yemen. The competitive and duplicative nature of aid efforts by Saudi Arabia and the UAE has exacerbated the conflict, transforming Yemen into a geopolitical battleground and prolonging the humanitarian crisis. The emphasis on bilateral aid raises concerns about transparency and accountability. Gulf-funded projects often lack the visibility and oversight associated with multilateral aid initiatives, leading to potential misuse of resources. While bilateral aid can be more efficient, it is not immune to the challenges faced by multilateral organizations. The focus on strategic interests can sometimes overshadow the humanitarian needs of the affected populations.
The Gulf states’ preference for bilateral aid reflects a strategic approach to foreign assistance that prioritizes geopolitical and security interests alongside humanitarian concerns and peacebuilding. This study highlights the need for greater transparency, accountability, and coordination in aid delivery to ensure that the humanitarian needs of conflict-affected populations are effectively addressed. Future research should focus on in-depth field studies and interviews to further explore the dynamics of aid distribution and its impact on local economies and livelihoods in conflict zones.
Enhancing transparency in aid delivery is crucial. Implementing robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms can help ensure transparency and accountability in bilateral aid projects. Additionally, balancing aid approaches by combining the advantages of both bilateral and multilateral aid can enhance coordination and effectiveness in conflict settings. Prioritizing impartial, needs-based aid delivery is essential to address the immediate and long-term needs of affected populations. Furthermore, conducting real-time field studies can provide deeper insights into the impact of different aid modalities in conflict-affected regions.
The Gulf states’ strategic motivations behind their preference for bilateral aid have significant implications for the effectiveness of aid efforts in Yemen. Their approach reflects a complex interplay of geopolitical, economic, and security considerations, alongside humanitarian concerns. While bilateral aid offers certain advantages, such as operational control and efficiency, it also presents challenges related to transparency, accountability, and the potential for aid diversion. By addressing these challenges and adopting a balanced approach that leverages the strengths of both bilateral and multilateral aid, the Gulf states can enhance the effectiveness of their aid efforts and better meet the needs of conflict-affected populations in Yemen. Future research should continue to explore the dynamics of aid distribution in conflict settings to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the strategic motivations and impacts of different aid modalities.
Moosa Elayah
Dr. Moosa Elayah is an Associate Professor in International Development, Peacebuilding and Conflict Studies, Doha Institute for Graduate Studies (Qatar). Investigating the role of the nonviolent actors in a violent situation is his active research agenda, focusing on Yemen, Syria, and Libya but also looking at many examples of other conflicted countries. He is the author of the book “Europe and the MENA Region – Media Reporting, Conflict Resolution, and Peacebuilding” Palgrave Macmillan, Cham, 2022.
