The Houthi rebels of Yemen have become one of the most consequential and disruptive forces in the Middle East. Backed by Iran but pursuing their own political and military objectives, they have survived years of warfare, Saudi-led intervention and an intense American bombing campaign.

In this conversation, Elizabeth Kendall, one of the world’s leading experts on the Houthis and Director of Girton College, Cambridge, explains the movement’s origins, ideology and leadership, its relationship with Tehran and its growing role in the wider regional conflict.

We also examine the Houthis’ latest escalation, their capacity to threaten Saudi Arabia’s oil infrastructure and their ability to disrupt shipping through the strategically vital Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

*Can Riyadh defend itself without American military support, and is Donald Trump prepared to help? What would reluctance or refusal to intervene tell America’s Gulf allies about Washington’s credibility and commitment to regional security? *

Finally, we consider what the Houthis rebels’ campaign means for global energy supplies and international shipping.