Jordan Within The Shifting Balance Of Middle East Politics

The period between 1967-1973 was transformative for the governments of the Middle East. King Hussein and the leadership in Jordan faced many challenges on both domestic and international fronts. This case study attempts to explain how the Hashemite kingdom dealt with the pressures from military defeats, loss of territory, threats from religious fundamentalism, Marxist-Nationalist uprisings, continued tensions with Israel, and Cold War politics. This study will explore how the regime's survival and success compares with many of their neighbors who faced crisis instability and similar external and internal pressures. Jordan's strategies in the face of these challenges did not result in the bloody coups that overthrew previous ‘colonial regimes’ in the region. Instead of falling victim to increasing pressures from all sides, Jordan used these internal and external challenges to propel itself forward to become a stabilizing and moderate force in the region. The strategies made in those challenging times by King Hussein's government will be explored to better understand how moderation can succeed against the ever-challenging forces of radicalism and reaction.