The article delves into the political significance of tribes in Yemen, especially through the works of the late Mohamed Mohsen Al-Dhahiri, a political science professor at Sana'a University. Al-Dhahiri's central argument addresses the complex relationship between tribes and the state, contrasting sharply with the harsh critiques made by both liberal and socialist literature in the past decades that viewed tribalism as a fundamental opposition to state structures. Instead of dismissing tribalism, Al-Dhahiri provides a scientific methodology that aims to unpack the realities of Yemen's political landscape.

This analytical approach is posited as a critical foundation in Yemeni political literature, as most researchers agree that overlooking or bypassing Al-Dhahiri's contributions equates to a significant knowledge deficiency in understanding the intricate relationship between tribalism and the state. His work goes beyond mere description; it ventures into a deep analysis of how tribal entities operate within Yemen's political system, influencing decision-making processes and the composition of the ruling elite, thereby complicating the national integration narrative.

The significance of the study extends to understanding contemporary debates surrounding identity in Yemen, asserting that the tribal configuration is an intrinsic part of the political fabric rather than an adversarial element. By offering a detailed examination of the tribes' political dynamics, Al-Dhahiri's work challenges the prevailing notions of tribalism and underscores its relevance in the ongoing discourse about statehood and identity in Yemen, especially in light of the country's historical context between 1962 and 1990.