Jordan's Role in Regional Security in the Middle East

Abstract

Jordan is one of the most important countries in the Middle East and the Persian Gulf region. Amid the complex political situation in the region, it strives to avoid the instability that many other countries in the area experience.

Jordan actively participated in the wars between Israel and the Arab states. Its goal was not to assist Palestine but rather to gain territorial acquisitions for Jordan itself. During the Gulf Wars, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan maintained a neutral stance and sought to establish peace among the Persian Gulf countries.

Over time, Jordan has shifted its foreign policy approach toward its neighboring countries in the Middle East. Since the late 20th century, its primary goal has been to maintain peace in this conflict-prone region. Since then, Jordan has been working to ease tensions among Middle Eastern countries and prevent the escalation of military conflicts. One example of this is that Jordan has long refrained from taking sides in any conflicts while simultaneously accepting refugees from Palestine, Syria, Lebanon, and Iraq. Unlike in other countries, these refugees experience relatively better living conditions in Jordan.

Despite sharing the region’s challenges, Jordan's leadership has taken on the responsibility of maintaining peace and stability.