Foreign relations of Yemen
The geographical positioning of North Yemen, along with its ruling Imams, contributed to a prolonged era of isolation from foreign influence prior to 1962. In the 1920s, however, a strategic shift occurred as the Yemeni government sought alliances to bolster its status. This culminated in the Italo-Yemeni Treaty of September 2, 1926, established with the Italian regime led by Mussolini. This treaty afforded the Sana'a government vital diplomatic support against aggressive territorial incursions by Saudi Arabia. The complex relationship between North Yemen and its neighboring state was further elucidated by the Treaty of Taif in 1934, which demarcated the northern border and created a framework for future commerce and diplomatic engagement. This treaty has been periodically reaffirmed, most recently in 1995, providing a relatively stable backdrop for Yemen-Saudi relations over the decades. Meanwhile, the nature of interactions with British colonial authorities in Aden remained contentious, reflecting the region’s broader geopolitical struggles....