Dr. Luca Nevola is a Senior Analyst for Yemen and the Gulf at ACLED. In this capacity, Luca produces and coordinates analysis, contributes to the oversight of regional data coverage, and serves as a point of contact for partnerships and external engagement across the Middle East desks. He also oversees analysis for the Yemen Conflict Observatory.
Luca is an expert in political Islam, religious repression, subnational power dynamics, and tribal conflict, with over 15 years of experience in non-profits, academia, and the private sector. Since 2008, Luca has conducted ethnographic research in Highland Yemen, developing an in-depth knowledge of local social structures, minority groups, and political elites, with a specific focus on Zaydi revivalism and the Houthi movement. Before joining ACLED, he worked as a Yemen analyst for several organizations, including ACAPS, the European Institute of Peace, and the Yemen Support Fund, among others. For ACLED, he has also worked as Senior Researcher in MENA Religion and Repression.
Luca holds an MA and a PhD in Cultural Anthropology from the University of Milano-Bicocca, with a focus on Arabic language and Islamic studies. He also worked as research fellow for the Yemen College of Middle Eastern Studies and the University of Sussex.
Spoken languages: Italian, English and Arabic Timezone: Central European Time - CET
Ten years after capturing Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, the Houthis—also known as Ansar Allah—have reached the peak of their military strength, political influence, and popular support.
The strategic balance of power in the Middle East now favors Israel, as two of Iran's key security pillars — regional influence through Axis of Resistance non-state actors and missile and drone capabilities — appear strained.
Key trends in Gaza, Lebanon, Israel, Syria, and Yemen during November 2024.
Current geopolitical updates: intense fighting in Gaza, Iran-Israel clashes, Iraq's operations against ISIL, and escalating violence in Lebanon and Syria. Yemen sees increased Houthi attacks.
An analysis of Houthi drone warfare and its impact on conflicts in Yemen and beyond, featuring key strategies and tactics.
Updates on demonstrations, conflicts, and tensions in Bahrain, Iraq, Iran-Israel, Palestine, Syria, and Yemen.
Rising tensions in Yemen's Red Sea threaten peace processes and international security in 2024.
US and UK strikes on Yemen escalate tensions amid potential Houthi retaliation.
Watch the recorded webinar for a discussion unpacking the Red Sea crisis, broader regional dynamics, and the deeper realities behind public claims.
