Jordan: Politics in An Accidental Crucible

Jordan is the runt of the Middle East. Compared to neighboring Israel, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, it has the smallest population, scarcest resources, and greatest vulnerability to regional violence. And yet this contrived place, with its divided society and antiquated monarchy, has outlasted endless predictions of collapse to become a veritable oasis of stability. Jordan is an accidental crucible where titanic forces have converged to create an important, if misunderstood, state. In Jordan, Sean Yom provides a concise yet authoritative synthesis of the Hashemite Kingdom's development from its founding over a century ago to the present. He explores Jordan's government, society, economy, and foreign policy in a systematic manner, offering an immersive tour of this vital Arab country. Uniquely, Yom combines theoretical work from political science, sociology, and other scholarly fields with firsthand knowledge of Jordan garnered over decades of study. His insights show how Jordan's political experiences form a microcosm for understanding the entire Middle East. Among the topics covered are its colonial legacies, fractious national identity, authoritarian rule, civil society, democratic protests, economic development, neoliberal corruption, geopolitical conflicts, and Western hegemony. A comprehensive and rigorous study of politics in Jordan, this book underscores the urgency of the country's historical struggles and contemporary affairs, which will shape the future of democracy, prosperity, and peace in the Middle East.