Scholars in Context: Adel Dashela
Jadaliyya's Scholars in Context series consists of Q&As in which scholars of the Middle East describe their research and the paths they took to arrive at it. The series provides a platform for these scholars to highlight the significance of their work, identify the audiences they seek to reach, and outline their future research trajectories, giving readers an in-depth look at the latest research in a given field.
Jadaliyya (J): What is the main focus of your current research and how does it connect to or depart from your previous work?
Adel Dashela (AD): My current research project focuses on tribes and other societal groups—such as youth, women, and marginalized communities—in achieving transitional justice and national reconciliation in post-war Yemen. This project marks a significant shift from my earlier work, which centered on English literature with a focus on prison literature in modern Arabic novels translated into English during my PhD studies. While my specialization explored English literature, I chose to pivot toward Yemeni affairs in light of the ongoing war in my country. By examining tribal dynamics and socio-political issues, this transition enables me to engage more directly with pressing social challenges and contribute to the discourse on reconciliation and justice in Yemen, emphasizing the critical roles that various societal groups play in the peace process.
J: What particular topics, issues, and literatures does it address?
AD: My research project addresses the critical role of tribes in achieving reconciliation and transitional justice in post-war Yemen. It examines how tribal customs and traditions can contribute to reparative measures and build a framework based on tolerance and forgiveness. Yemeni tribal customs prioritize conflict resolution through dialogue and consensus, which are essential elements often overlooked in traditional approaches to justice. Additionally, my research highlights that tribalism is a relevant concept in the context of restorative justice, suggesting that these customs can be effectively used in the mechanisms for implementing national reconciliation and transitional justice. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of ensuring that Yemeni women, youth, and marginalized communities have a genuine voice and active participation in these processes. Their issues must be addressed equitably, and their ideas and perspectives regarding the mechanisms for achieving reconciliation and transitional justice must be incorporated into the broader discourse. This multifaceted approach aims to create a more inclusive and practical framework for post-war recovery in my own country, Yemen.
J: What brought you to this work? What was the source of inspiration?
AD: As a Yemeni researcher, I felt deep pain witnessing my country fall into the hands of armed groups daily, leading to an unending cycle of violence and suffering. The children of Yemen are particularly affected, with many facing deprivation and unable to attend school. The expanding circle of war is fracturing our social fabric and destabilizing the country's political landscape. In contrast, I found inspiration in the successful recovery stories of countries like Rwanda. I was inspired by President Paul Kagame's slogans: "A hand builds, a hand wipes away tears" and "We conquer revenge without revenge." These messages emphasize the importance of unity and collective healing, where the tribe serves the individual, and the homeland belongs to everyone. Motivated by these experiences and lessons, I decided to focus on justice and reconciliation in Yemen. My research project mission is to address pressing issues that can benefit society. Exploring transitional justice can provide valuable insights and pathways for healing in my war-torn country.
J: What audiences would you like to reach, and what kind of impact would you like your research and writing to have?
AD: I aim for the outcomes of my research project to reach a diverse audience, including leaders of armed groups, the Yemeni government, international organizations focused on achieving peace in Yemen, the office of the UN envoy to Yemen, and regional powers involved in the Yemeni conflict. Additionally, I aspire for my work to serve as a theoretical framework for future researchers in transitional justice and reconciliation, as well as for peacemakers and practitioners involved in mediation and conflict resolution. I hope to highlight how societal groups can play a crucial role in achieving peace and stability in conflict-affected areas, ultimately contributing to a more informed approach to reconciliation efforts in Yemen.
J: What other projects are you working on now?
AD: I am also working on a project that explores the role of tribes and other social groups in mediation. One focuses on how tribes can facilitate dialogue and foster connections between armed and political groups. I am also examining successful instances of tribal mediation during the war, such as their efforts to open roads and maintain security between the Yemeni government and the Houthi group in their tribal areas, especially in the absence of a functioning security and judicial system. Additionally, I am investigating the reasons behind the decline of tribal mediation during the war and why tribes' essential role is often overlooked despite their significant contributions to conflict resolution. In short, I am trying to provide a deeper understanding of tribal dynamics and their potential to promote peace and stability in Yemen.