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University of Richmond

Publication Date

Spring 2024

Program Name

Jordan: Geopolitics, International Relations, and the Future of the Middle East

Abstract

The Israeli-Palestine conflict has persisted for decades, becoming one of the world's longest unresolved conflicts. It is a long-standing struggle for sovereignty and territorial legitimacy on the land between the Jordan River on the east and the Mediterranean Sea to the west. Since the UN Partial Plan in 1947 and the formation of the country of Israel until the most recent war started by the attack of Hamas on October 7, 2023, this conflict has shaped the politics of the Middle East. Jordan as its closest neighbor has especially been impacted by the developments of the conflict. Taking into consideration that nearly half of the Jordanian population has Palestinian origins and the deep cultural and historical ties between the two nations, this paper aims to examine Jordan's efforts and governmental policies aimed at fostering peace in Palestine. It focuses on determining the impact of these efforts on Jordanian domestic politics. It analyzes its political impact in terms of governmental stability and electoral dynamics and its economic impact. Jordanian efforts are reflected in a strong diplomatic presence in international organizations and good bilateral relations with Western partners as well as focusing on providing humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza. The impact of the war in Gaza can be seen in economic terms with the decrease in trade and increase in unemployment. The Jordanian government is also being criticized for not doing enough for Palestinians which affects their stability before the upcoming parliamentary elections. The long-term effects of the war in Gaza remain uncertain.

Disciplines

International Relations | Islamic World and Near East History | Near and Middle Eastern Studies | Peace and Conflict Studies | Politics and Social Change

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