Alex Stark
@alexstark.bsky.social
RAND. Enthusiastic Wellesley alum. PhD Georgetown. She/her. Opinions my own.
Go birds.
Go birds.
Pinned
Alex Stark
@alexstark.bsky.social
· Nov 19
The Yemen Model
A close look at failed U.S. policies in the Middle East, offering a fresh perspective on how best to reorient goals in the region In this book Alexandra S...
yalebooks.yale.edu
My book The Yemen Model argues that a short-term approach to “security” in Yemen that ignores the well-being of Yemenis themselves has repeatedly drawn the U.S. into conflicts in the Middle East: yalebooks.yale.edu/book/9780300...
NEW: @madisonschramm.bsky.social, Caitlin McCulloch & I map out the paths to power for women leaders in the wake of crises and conflict in International Studies Review
Mapping the International Supply and Demand Side of Women’s Political Leadership in Crises
Abstract. In this article, we offer a theoretical framework outlining the conditions under which different types of crises, from wars to natural disasters,
academic.oup.com
February 6, 2026 at 6:14 PM
NEW: @madisonschramm.bsky.social, Caitlin McCulloch & I map out the paths to power for women leaders in the wake of crises and conflict in International Studies Review
Reposted by Alex Stark
AFP reports recently sacked defence minister, who travelled with the STC delegation to Riyadh, is being detained at the Saudi defence ministry, his family have been unable to contact him since he left Aden for Riyadh on Wednesday - added to the entire STC delegation already said to be incommunicado.
January 9, 2026 at 6:21 PM
AFP reports recently sacked defence minister, who travelled with the STC delegation to Riyadh, is being detained at the Saudi defence ministry, his family have been unable to contact him since he left Aden for Riyadh on Wednesday - added to the entire STC delegation already said to be incommunicado.
Reposted by Alex Stark
STC Vice President (not in Saudi) Hani bin Brek is calling for the UN "to urgently and immediately intervene for the release of the delegation of the STC detained in Riyadh, which was forcibly compelled in a repulsive farcical play to announce the dissolution of the Southern Transitional Council."
January 9, 2026 at 6:10 PM
STC Vice President (not in Saudi) Hani bin Brek is calling for the UN "to urgently and immediately intervene for the release of the delegation of the STC detained in Riyadh, which was forcibly compelled in a repulsive farcical play to announce the dissolution of the Southern Transitional Council."
April Longley Alley explains the conflict dynamics underlying the latest escalation in Yemen.
Wouldn’t be shocking for the Houthis to take advantage of the moment by renewing their offensive in Marib.
www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analy...
Wouldn’t be shocking for the Houthis to take advantage of the moment by renewing their offensive in Marib.
www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analy...
Yemen’s Seismic Shift Has Consequences Beyond Its Borders
U.S. allies Saudi Arabia and the UAE are on a collision course in Yemen, as local forces threaten to reopen a war that could boost the Houthis, deepen Red Sea instability, and otherwise undermine the ...
www.washingtoninstitute.org
January 2, 2026 at 2:10 PM
April Longley Alley explains the conflict dynamics underlying the latest escalation in Yemen.
Wouldn’t be shocking for the Houthis to take advantage of the moment by renewing their offensive in Marib.
www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analy...
Wouldn’t be shocking for the Houthis to take advantage of the moment by renewing their offensive in Marib.
www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analy...
Reposted by Alex Stark
More escalation in Yemen today, with reports of airstrikes amidst clashes between (Saudi-backed) National Shield forces and (UAE-backed) STC-aligned fighters in Hadramawt.
January 2, 2026 at 9:54 AM
More escalation in Yemen today, with reports of airstrikes amidst clashes between (Saudi-backed) National Shield forces and (UAE-backed) STC-aligned fighters in Hadramawt.
For those interested in the origins of the Saudi-UAE rift in Yemen, my book,The Yemen Model, includes a discussion on pp. 83-89: www.amazon.com/Yemen-Model-...
December 30, 2025 at 4:48 PM
For those interested in the origins of the Saudi-UAE rift in Yemen, my book,The Yemen Model, includes a discussion on pp. 83-89: www.amazon.com/Yemen-Model-...
UAE-KSA tensions getting spicy in southern Yemen after STC takeover
APNewsAlert: DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — UAE calls for 'restraint and wisdom' after Saudi Arabia's #Yemen strikes and disputes Riyadh's allegations against it.
December 30, 2025 at 1:43 PM
UAE-KSA tensions getting spicy in southern Yemen after STC takeover
Reposted by Alex Stark
The campaign to prevent and treat these diseases has seen great success thanks to a USAID program. Now that program is gone. n.pr/3KJ3iIq
The fight to beat neglected tropical diseases was going well. 2025 could change that
The campaign to prevent and treat these diseases has seen great success thanks to a USAID program. Now that program is gone.
n.pr
December 10, 2025 at 1:44 PM
The campaign to prevent and treat these diseases has seen great success thanks to a USAID program. Now that program is gone. n.pr/3KJ3iIq
Reposted by Alex Stark
The death rate among children under 5 is expected to grow this year for the first time in the 21st century, researchers say. A key factor, they say, is cuts to U.S. and other foreign aid
www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/1...
www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/1...
Child deaths under 5 believed to be rising for first time in decades
Cuts to development aid from several countries is a key factor, researchers said.
www.washingtonpost.com
December 7, 2025 at 10:25 PM
The death rate among children under 5 is expected to grow this year for the first time in the 21st century, researchers say. A key factor, they say, is cuts to U.S. and other foreign aid
www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/1...
www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/1...
Reposted by Alex Stark
This leaves the STC and its allies in de facto control of nearly all of the area within the borders former PDRY (ie South Yemen). A key 48 hours for facts being established on the ground...
December 4, 2025 at 6:48 AM
This leaves the STC and its allies in de facto control of nearly all of the area within the borders former PDRY (ie South Yemen). A key 48 hours for facts being established on the ground...
Reposted by Alex Stark
"The new fighting underscores simmering tensions between the United Arab Emirates — a tiny but influential country in the Persian Gulf — and Saudi Arabia, which borders Hadramout and has cultivated deep influence there."
Separatist Forces Backed by U.A.E. Sweep Into Oil-Rich Yemen Region
www.nytimes.com
December 6, 2025 at 2:59 AM
"The new fighting underscores simmering tensions between the United Arab Emirates — a tiny but influential country in the Persian Gulf — and Saudi Arabia, which borders Hadramout and has cultivated deep influence there."
Reposted by Alex Stark
Last month, I had the chance to chat with the incomparable @profwhw.bsky.social about "Why Democracies Fight Dictators" on Battle Rhythm—check it out here!
More Battle Rhythm!! I talk with Linna Tam-Seto about CAF personnel stuff and then @profwhw.bsky.social interviews @madisonschramm.bsky.social about her work on democracies fighting dictators. open.substack.com/pub/cdsn/p/e...
December 3, 2025 at 9:49 PM
Last month, I had the chance to chat with the incomparable @profwhw.bsky.social about "Why Democracies Fight Dictators" on Battle Rhythm—check it out here!
Goedert and Slim Reaper both under-appreciated this season imho
Dallas Goedert has 7 TDs in 8 games this season.
He had 8 TDs in 36 regular season games from 2022-2024.
He had 8 TDs in 36 regular season games from 2022-2024.
October 26, 2025 at 8:24 PM
Goedert and Slim Reaper both under-appreciated this season imho
Reposted by Alex Stark
Best piece I’ve read on Saudi’s comedy festival by a mile.
Unlike standard critics of “-washing” (sports-washing, pink-washing, green-washing & now comedy-washing), Leber grapples w/ domestic drivers of regime behaviour—and w/ how many everyday Saudis feel.
carnegieendowment.org/emissary/202...
Unlike standard critics of “-washing” (sports-washing, pink-washing, green-washing & now comedy-washing), Leber grapples w/ domestic drivers of regime behaviour—and w/ how many everyday Saudis feel.
carnegieendowment.org/emissary/202...
October 4, 2025 at 8:07 PM
Best piece I’ve read on Saudi’s comedy festival by a mile.
Unlike standard critics of “-washing” (sports-washing, pink-washing, green-washing & now comedy-washing), Leber grapples w/ domestic drivers of regime behaviour—and w/ how many everyday Saudis feel.
carnegieendowment.org/emissary/202...
Unlike standard critics of “-washing” (sports-washing, pink-washing, green-washing & now comedy-washing), Leber grapples w/ domestic drivers of regime behaviour—and w/ how many everyday Saudis feel.
carnegieendowment.org/emissary/202...
Everyone better apologize to @daboulciff.bsky.social smh
September 21, 2025 at 8:47 PM
Everyone better apologize to @daboulciff.bsky.social smh
Why do democracies fight dictators like Nasser & Saddam? In her new book, @madisonschramm.bsky.social shows how personalist autocrats provide a focal point for emotional imprinting, predisposing leaders in liberal democracies to view personalist dictators as hostile academic.oup.com/book/60422
Why Democracies Fight Dictators
Abstract. In Why Democracies Fight Dictators Schramm explores the dynamics that intensify conflict between liberal democracies and personalist regimes—poli
academic.oup.com
July 31, 2025 at 1:30 PM
Why do democracies fight dictators like Nasser & Saddam? In her new book, @madisonschramm.bsky.social shows how personalist autocrats provide a focal point for emotional imprinting, predisposing leaders in liberal democracies to view personalist dictators as hostile academic.oup.com/book/60422
Another attack today on a cargo ship in the Red Sea, two days after a Houthi attack sunk the bulk carrier ship Magic Seas: www.nytimes.com/2025/07/08/w...
Attack on Cargo Ship in the Red Sea Kills 2 Crew Members
www.nytimes.com
July 8, 2025 at 9:54 PM
Another attack today on a cargo ship in the Red Sea, two days after a Houthi attack sunk the bulk carrier ship Magic Seas: www.nytimes.com/2025/07/08/w...
Reposted by Alex Stark
I have a new article out examining macro-level trends in the Saudi labor market.
TLDR: "notable yet circumscribed gains for Saudi employees," "new competitive pressure, costs and risks on expat[s]," no "fundamental challenge" to reliance on foreign labor
journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...
TLDR: "notable yet circumscribed gains for Saudi employees," "new competitive pressure, costs and risks on expat[s]," no "fundamental challenge" to reliance on foreign labor
journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...
Saudization in a “Saudi First” kingdom - Andrew Michael Leber, 2025
How have efforts to “nationalize” workforces in the Arab Gulf monarchies affected citizen and expatriate employment in these economies? In Saudi Arabia, policie...
journals.sagepub.com
May 8, 2025 at 9:40 AM
I have a new article out examining macro-level trends in the Saudi labor market.
TLDR: "notable yet circumscribed gains for Saudi employees," "new competitive pressure, costs and risks on expat[s]," no "fundamental challenge" to reliance on foreign labor
journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...
TLDR: "notable yet circumscribed gains for Saudi employees," "new competitive pressure, costs and risks on expat[s]," no "fundamental challenge" to reliance on foreign labor
journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...
Reposted by Alex Stark
The Houthi armed forces announces their latest operations, acknowledge Trump’s truce declaration and say they remain ready to strike if U.S. attacks resume. Either way, they will keep hitting Israeli shipping and air travel until Israel leaves Gaza and ends its blockade.
www.saba.ye/ar/video890....
www.saba.ye/ar/video890....
May 8, 2025 at 10:09 AM
The Houthi armed forces announces their latest operations, acknowledge Trump’s truce declaration and say they remain ready to strike if U.S. attacks resume. Either way, they will keep hitting Israeli shipping and air travel until Israel leaves Gaza and ends its blockade.
www.saba.ye/ar/video890....
www.saba.ye/ar/video890....
Reposted by Alex Stark
Breaking: Another F/A-18 fighter jet from the Truman aircraft carrier has been lost in the Red Sea, the second jet lost from the carrier in just over a week, per 4 people familiar w/the incident. 2 aviators ejected and were recovered by helo with minor injuries. www.cnn.com/2025/05/06/p...
Second US Navy jet is lost at sea from Truman aircraft carrier | CNN Politics
Another F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jet from the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier has been lost in the Red Sea, the second jet lost from the carrier in just over a week, four people familiar with ...
www.cnn.com
May 7, 2025 at 12:40 AM
Breaking: Another F/A-18 fighter jet from the Truman aircraft carrier has been lost in the Red Sea, the second jet lost from the carrier in just over a week, per 4 people familiar w/the incident. 2 aviators ejected and were recovered by helo with minor injuries. www.cnn.com/2025/05/06/p...
Reposted by Alex Stark
A visual analysis shows the U.S. likely bombed a migrant detention center in Yemen on April 28. At least three U.S.-made GBU-39 bombs at the site of the attack, which killed 68 African migrants, according to the Houthis, a militant group that controls northern Yemen.
Video: Visual Analysis Shows U.S. Likely Bombed Yemen Migrant Detention Center
Videos and photos reveal remnants of at least three U.S.-made GBU-39 bombs at the site of an April 28 attack. The strike killed 68 African migrants, according to the Houthis, a militant group that con...
www.nytimes.com
May 3, 2025 at 8:09 PM
A visual analysis shows the U.S. likely bombed a migrant detention center in Yemen on April 28. At least three U.S.-made GBU-39 bombs at the site of the attack, which killed 68 African migrants, according to the Houthis, a militant group that controls northern Yemen.
Reposted by Alex Stark
US Airstrike Kills Scores of African Migrants in a Migrant Detention Center in Saada, Yemen, Houthis Say.
Early estimates suggest at least 68 civilians killed and "dozens" wounded; CENTCOM "investigating"
Early estimates suggest at least 68 civilians killed and "dozens" wounded; CENTCOM "investigating"
U.S. strike killed scores of African migrants in Yemen, Houthis say
U.S. Central Command said it was aware of the claims of civilian casualties in the strike, which the Houthis said hit a migrant detention center in Saada, killing 68.
www.washingtonpost.com
April 28, 2025 at 7:39 PM
US Airstrike Kills Scores of African Migrants in a Migrant Detention Center in Saada, Yemen, Houthis Say.
Early estimates suggest at least 68 civilians killed and "dozens" wounded; CENTCOM "investigating"
Early estimates suggest at least 68 civilians killed and "dozens" wounded; CENTCOM "investigating"
Reposted by Alex Stark
Suggests that the Houthi got close enough with a drone or missile strike to force the Truman to maneuver hard, tossing the Super Hornet overboard.
This is the second F/A-18 lost in the past six months, along with at least 9 Predator drones. This "cheap" war in Yemen is starting to add up
This is the second F/A-18 lost in the past six months, along with at least 9 Predator drones. This "cheap" war in Yemen is starting to add up
A $60 million US Navy fighter jet was lost at sea after it fell overboard from an aircraft carrier.
US Navy loses $60 million jet at sea after it fell overboard from aircraft carrier | CNN Politics
A US Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jet has been “lost” at sea after it fell overboard from the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier while it was being towed on board, the Navy said in a statement o...
www.cnn.com
April 28, 2025 at 7:43 PM
Suggests that the Houthi got close enough with a drone or missile strike to force the Truman to maneuver hard, tossing the Super Hornet overboard.
This is the second F/A-18 lost in the past six months, along with at least 9 Predator drones. This "cheap" war in Yemen is starting to add up
This is the second F/A-18 lost in the past six months, along with at least 9 Predator drones. This "cheap" war in Yemen is starting to add up
Reposted by Alex Stark
A $60 million US Navy fighter jet was lost at sea after it fell overboard from an aircraft carrier.
US Navy loses $60 million jet at sea after it fell overboard from aircraft carrier | CNN Politics
A US Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jet has been “lost” at sea after it fell overboard from the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier while it was being towed on board, the Navy said in a statement o...
www.cnn.com
April 28, 2025 at 7:23 PM
A $60 million US Navy fighter jet was lost at sea after it fell overboard from an aircraft carrier.