The ongoing conflict in Yemen has been marked by numerous violations of international law, including the targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure, the use of prohibited weapons, and the imposition of blockades that have impeded the delivery of essential humanitarian aid.
The conflict has broader implications for geopolitics and international relations. It has been fueled by a complex web of “proxy relationships,” with various actors supporting different sides in the conflict to achieve their broader geopolitical goals. The involvement of external actors in the conflict has made it difficult to achieve a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
Humanitarian and human rights groups have engaged in intense advocacy campaigns and lobbying efforts to draw attention to the situation in Yemen and to pressure governments and international organizations to take action.
However, the Yemen war has been heavily influenced by lobbying efforts from various groups, including weapons manufacturers, defense contractors and foreign powers, who spend large sums of money to influence policymakers and secure arms deals. The McKeon Group and American Defense International (ADI) are two prominent examples of lobbying firms with significant stakes in the Yemen War, representing both the most powerful U.S. arms manufacturers and Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
The lobbying efforts of defense contractors, weapons manufactures and other interest groups have the potential to undermine these legal obligations and prolong the conflict, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Yemen.
While lobbying is a common practice in the United States, the current regulations on lobbying are insufficient in preventing the undue influence of special interest groups on government decision-making. This has led to a situation where lobbyists are able to shape policy in ways that benefit their clients, often at the expense of the wider public interest. As a result, there is a pressing need for reform in lobbying practices to ensure greater transparency and accountability in the political process.
Proposals for reform in lobbying practices have been put forward, including measures such as increased disclosure requirements for lobbyists, limits on campaign contributions from special interest groups, and stricter ethics rules for public officials. These proposals aim to reduce the influence of lobbyists on government decision-making and promote greater accountability in the political process. However, implementing these reforms has proven to be a challenge, as lobbyists and their clients have significant resources at their disposal to resist change.
The importance of holding lobbyists accountable for their actions cannot be overstated, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict in Yemen. By holding lobbyists accountable for their role in fueling the conflict, policymakers can send a strong message that the undue influence of special interest groups on government decision-making will not be tolerated. This can help to promote greater transparency and accountability in the political process, and ultimately lead to a more just and peaceful world.
- The Role of Lobbying in Shaping Public Opinion on the Yemen War
The lack of transparency in lobbying activities and the influence it has on U.S. policy towards the Yemen War is concerning, particularly given the legal implications of the conflict.
Addressing the Yemen crisis requires not only transparency in lobbying activities but also public awareness and engagement. Public awareness and engagement can help ensure that policymakers are held accountable for their decisions and that the voices of those affected by the conflict are heard. Ultimately, addressing the Yemen crisis requires a multifaceted approach that involves not only diplomatic efforts but also the active participation of civil society and the public. Transparency in lobbying activities will ensure that the public is aware of the interests being represented and the potential impact on policy decisions.
References
Lobbying in the 21st Century: Transparency, Integrity and …. (n.d.) Retrieved May 8, 2023, from www.oecd.org/corruption/ethics/lobbying-21-century.htm
How U.S. arm sales fuel the humanitarian crisis in Yemen. (n.d.) Retrieved May 8, 2023, from www.opensecrets.org
Saudis lobby MEPs before arms embargo vote over Yemen. (n.d.) Retrieved May 8, 2023, from www.theguardian.com
How Lobbying Firms Helped Destroy Yemen. (n.d.) Retrieved May 9, 2023, from www.thenation.com
How Saudi Money Keeps the U.S. at War in Yemen. (n.d.) Retrieved May 8, 2023, from www.inthesetimes.com
Transparency | Lobbying in the 21st Century. (n.d.) Retrieved May 9, 2023, from www.oecd-ilibrary.org
Beyond transparency: the principles of lobbying regulation …. (n.d.) Retrieved May 9, 2023, from www.cambridge.org
The US may still be helping Saudi Arabia in the Yemen war …. (n.d.) Retrieved May 9, 2023, from www.vox.com
By The European Institute for International Law and International Relations.
