Jordan's Identity and Interests

Abstract

Informed by a constructivist approach to state identity formation, the relationship between identity, political interests, & the public sphere in contemporary Jordan is studied to better understand how identity affects foreign policy. An overview of Jordan's political history during the mid- & late 20th century emphasizes the development of a public sphere. Relations between Jordan & predominantly Arab countries in the region are examined, indicating how calls for a Jordanian Arab identity influence foreign policy. The tendency for some groups to associate Jordan with Palestine is considered, citing tensions between groups who advocated a Jordanian identity for Palestinians residing in Jordan & those who supported a Palestinian identity for these persons & how Jordan's attitudes toward the Palestinian Liberation Organization & West Bank settlement shaped Jordanian identity. It is asserted that Jordan's relations with Israel caused greater problems for maintaining a collective national identity; how differences in Hashemite & Arabist political interests threatened the country's collective identity is demonstrated. Implications for studying the connection between identity, interest, & the public sphere in other regional nations are assessed. J. W. Parker