Local Service Provision During War‐A Case Study of Yemen

ABSTRACT In conflict‐ridden regions like Yemen, local governance structures play a critical role in shaping the provision of essential services during ongoing war. This study examines these complexities by focusing on five key governorates: Marib, Sana'a, Aden, Hodeidah, and Hadramaut. Methodologically, it employs 27 semi‐structured interviews with key stakeholders across the governorates, complemented by a review of relevant literature and reports from international organizations. The findings reveal significant variations in local service provision, driven by factors such as governance capacity and resources, political leadership and stability, proximity to conflict zones, and international support. From a theoretical perspective, this study contributes to the understanding of local governance in fragile states by demonstrating their significant role to improve service delivery in conflict settings. The effectiveness of local governance structures is highly contingent on local socio‐political dynamics, resource allocation, and external support. By analyzing how these elements shape local governance capacities, the paper highlights the disparities in service delivery and the challenges faced by local authorities and humanitarian actors in navigating fragmented governance frameworks amidst ongoing conflict. This contributes to the literature on state fragility, legitimacy cycles, and the security‐development nexus, providing critical insights into how conflict shapes governance.