Jordanian Culture Final PDF

National Culture Final​ Unit 3: Jordans Community​ ​ Definition of Community: A unified body of individuals with common interests/characteristics living in a particular area or society.​ ​ ​ Cultural and Religious Composition ​ Rooted in Arab and Islamic culture in religion, history, and...

National Culture Final​ Unit 3: Jordans Community​ ​ Definition of Community: A unified body of individuals with common interests/characteristics living in a particular area or society.​ ​ ​ Cultural and Religious Composition ​ Rooted in Arab and Islamic culture in religion, history, and politics. ​ Predominantly Sunni Muslim, with Christian minorities (Eastern Orthodox being the largest). ​ Other Christian denominations include Roman Catholic, Coptic Orthodox, Assyrian, Chaldean Catholics, Armenian Orthodox, and Protestants.​ ​ Family and Social Characteristics ​ Strong family cohesion based on values, social ties, and clan relationships. ​ Age of marriage: ○​ Males: Average age increased to 30 years. ○​ Females: Average age increased to 22 years. ○​ Causes: Economic challenges, high marriage costs, prolonged education. ​ Decline in relative marriage since the early 1950s. Women’s Status ​ Significant gains since the 1950s due to: ○​ Expanded educational and employment opportunities. ○​ Progressive laws and legislations enhancing women's societal roles. Demographics ​ Population pyramid has a wide base, indicating a high percentage of children. Social Cohesion ​ Marked by: ○​ Cohesion, interdependence, and compassion despite diversity in religion, ethnicity, culture, and language. ○​ National unity is reinforced by intermarriage, religious tolerance, and state policies. Cultural Traits ​ Known for hospitality, generosity, and aiding those in distress. Family Structure ​ Patriarchal extended family is central to Jordanian society, including parents, siblings, distant relatives, and tribe members. ​ Family orientation remains strong, though less prominent in cities due to financial and social changes. ​ Dependence on relatives for financial/social connections, protection, and emotional support. ​ Men and women typically live with family until marriage for financial, traditional, and religious reasons. Characteristics of Jordanian Society 1.​ Cultural Diversity: ○​ Rich cultural diversity shaped by ancient history and various cultural influences. 2.​ Respect for Traditions and Values: ○​ Core to Jordanian culture; traditions influence daily life, especially in marriage, death, and care for the elderly. 3.​ Hospitality: ○​ Valued cultural trait; welcoming and caring for guests is highly important. 4.​ Collaboration and Solidarity: ○​ Strong spirit of mutual support; community members help one another. 5.​ Religion and Tolerance: ○​ Religion plays a significant role in daily life, with a culture of tolerance among different religious communities. ​ ​ Categories of Jordanian Society A. Bedouin Society ​ Distinctive Feature: Strong influence of Bedouin values on Jordanian society, blending with modern civil life. ​ Key Characteristics: ○​ Preserves traditional values like generosity, hospitality, chivalry, and patience. ○​ Clans have adapted to modern life while maintaining authentic Bedouin values. ​ Social Dynamics: Not entirely separate from rural or urban societies, showing a mix of traditions and modernization. B. Rural Society ​ Characteristics: ○​ Found in villages across Jordan's governorates. ○​ Social relations based on acquaintance, neighborliness, and kinship. ○​ Community exhibits strong affection and collective friendliness. ​ Interconnectedness: ○​ Difficult to strictly define rural, Bedouin, and urban separations. ○​ Rural individuals may live and work in cities while maintaining ties to their villages. ○​ Includes clans and families, such as Circassian and Chechen tribes, who historically contributed to agriculture. C. Urban (Civil) Society ​ Characteristics: ○​ Urbanization is a key feature of social change in Jordan. ○​ Cities attract residents due to job opportunities, better infrastructure, and essential services. ○​ Urban life emphasizes individualism and personal achievements over collective social structures. ​ Role of Cities: ○​ Economic, political, cultural, and social hubs. ○​ Provide recreational spaces, cultural activities, and infrastructure for modern life. ○​ Centers of commerce and industry with diverse opportunities.​ ​ ​ ​ Human Rights in Jordan ​ Jordanian Constitution (Articles 5–32): ○​ Establishes civil, political, economic, social, and cultural human rights. ○​ Guarantees protection and application through a legislative system. ​ Protect the Right to Life and Physical Integrity. ​ Enhance and Cement the Institutional Autonomy of the Judicial Authority. ​ Enhance the Autonomy of the Judge and Upgrade Judicial Work. ​ Right to Nationality, Residency, Asylum, and Freedom of Movement. ​ Enhance and Protect the Right to Nomination and Election. ​ Enhance the Right to Freedom of Opinion and Expression. ​ Enhance and Protect the Right to Peaceful Assembly and Formation of Political Parties, Associations, and Unions. ​ Enhance and Protect the Right to Work. ​ Enhance and Protect the Right to Health. ​ Enhance and Protect the Right to Education. ​ Enhance and Protect the Cultural Rights of Categories of Society (e.g., minorities). ​ Promote the Right to a Healthy Environment and the Right to Development. ​ Enhance and Protect the Rights of Disabled People. ​ Enhance and Protect Women’s Rights. ​ Enhance and Protect Children’s Rights. ​ Enhance and Protect the Rights of the Elderly and Guarantee Their Enjoyment Thereof. In Jordanian society, the constitution and laws guarantee the rights and freedoms of individuals, including the following:​ ​ 1. Freedom of expression and assembly. ​ 2. Right to self-defense and human rights.​ 3. Women's rights and children's rights.​ 4. Right to education and health.​ 5. Freedom of religion and belief.​ 6. Labor rights and employment.​ 7. Rights of religious and ethnic minorities.​ ​ Jordanian Society Through History Key Historical Developments 1.​ State Establishment: ○​ The Emirate of Transjordan was established in 1921. ○​ It evolved into the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in 1946. 2.​ Political Transformations: ○​ Witnessed several political and social transformations since independence. ○​ Included political and constitutional reforms. 3.​ Economic Development: ○​ Significant diversification of economic sectors. ○​ Enhanced investments over the years. 4.​ Education and Culture: ○​ Development in education and cultural awareness. ○​ Expansion of education infrastructure. 5.​ Technological Advancement: ○​ Adoption of modern technology. ○​ Development of infrastructure for information and communication technology. 6.​ Social Challenges and Changes: ○​ Faced issues such as employment, migration, and changes in social values. 7.​ Peace and Stability: ○​ Maintained stability and peace despite challenges. ○​ Played a key role in promoting regional peace.​ ​ ​ ​ Population growth elements in Jordan include:​ ​ 1. Fertility rate​ ​ 2. Mortality rate​ ​ 3. Migration​ ​ 4. Natural growth rate​ ​ 5. Demographic changes​ ​ The social challenges facing Jordanian society include:​ ​ 1. Unemployment and lack of job opportunities.​ ​ 2. Poverty and economic inequality.​ ​ 3. Environmental challenges and scarcity of water resources.​ ​ 4. Increasing migration and refugees.​ ​ 5. High rates of divorce and family breakdown.​ ​ 6. Crime and violence in some areas.​ ​ 7. Low cultural and educational awareness in some demographics.​ ​ 8. Social pressures associated with traditions and cultural values.​ ​ Social challenges facing the Jordanian society​ 1- Poverty is a social phenomenon with multiple and interrelated dimensions that have significant political and social impacts.​ 2- Unemployment: Unemployment is defined as the lack of job opportunities for those who are able or of working age.​ 3- Population growth.​ 4- Violence is the practice of force in an attack on another person without their will. ​ 5-The phenomenon of using drugs is rapidly growing.​ ​ Addressing Poverty and Unemployment in Jordan​ ​ 1. Enhancing investments in various economic sectors to create new job opportunities.​ 2. Developing education and vocational training to equip youth and job seekers with skills.​ 3. Implementing support programs for vulnerable groups such as youth unemployment and needy families.​ 4. Promoting small and medium-sized industries and supporting entrepreneurs.​ 5. Improving infrastructure and providing basic services to impoverished communities.​ 6. Encouraging investments in tourism and agriculture to create new job opportunities in rural areas.​ 7. Providing government support for social and economic projects targeting the most vulnerable groups.​ ​ Pluralism and National Integration in Jordan 1.​ Pluralism: ○​ Jordan fosters peaceful coexistence among religious and ethnic communities. 2.​ National Solidarity: ○​ Pluralism promotes mutual understanding and a strong sense of national identity. 3.​ Government Role: ○​ Encourages national dialogue and supports peaceful coexistence. Jordanian Women Progress and Achievements: 1.​ Leadership and Fields of Work: ○​ Jordanian women have broken into male-dominated fields, achieving significant success. ○​ They occupy high positions in education, politics, business, military, and police. ○​ Despite progress, global participation remains limited. 2.​ Social and Political Role: ○​ Jordanian women play a crucial role in the development/renaissance of Jordan. ○​ Historically, they worked in education and health, expanding into other sectors. ○​ Women's participation in parliament and municipalities is growing, but societal stereotypes and male dominance persist. 3.​ Challenges: ○​ A lingering stereotypical image limits full participation across all governorates. ○​ Some women lack self-confidence in leadership roles or in initiating new ideas. ○​ There is a socio-economic gap, especially in education and employment opportunities for lower-income women. Education and Workforce Participation: 1.​ Education: ○​ Women excel in education, with over 60% of students in medicine, dentistry, and natural sciences being female. ○​ Engineering (28%) and computer science (45%) also have significant female participation. ○​ Jordan has a high literacy rate for girls (97.3%), yet female workforce participation remains low at 13.2%. ○​ The gender gap in employment hinders potential GDP growth by 0.5-0.9% per year. 2.​ Business and Entrepreneurship: ○​ The number of female entrepreneurs has increased, with Jordan scoring high in gender-friendly policies. ○​ Women have equal access to credit, contracts, business registration, and bank accounts. ○​ The female-to-male ratio in entrepreneurship activity rose by 127% between 2016-2019. Military and Police: 1.​ Police: ○​ Women joined public security in 1971 and have contributed to peacekeeping missions. ○​ The Women's Police School was established in 1972, and Jordanian women have shown courage and professionalism. 2.​ Military: ○​ Women started serving in the army in the 1950s, and their numbers grew significantly after the establishment of Princess Muna College of Nursing in 1965. ○​ Women now serve in military intelligence, police, and the Royal Guard Protection Unit. Political Participation: 1.​ Political Role: ○​ The number of women in the 16th Jordanian Legislative Assembly increased to 13 out of 120 members in 2010, with most women entering via the Women's Quota Law. ○​ Women's political participation is seen as an indicator of progress for Jordan and is supported by the royal vision of King Abdullah II and Queen Rania. ○​ For the first time, a woman (Toujan Faisal) was elected to represent the Circassian minority in 2010. 2.​ Legal and Constitutional Support: ○​ The Jordanian Constitution and National Charter ensure full equality of rights and duties between men and women. ○​ Legislation has been amended to promote gender equality and combat gender-based violence. Empowerment and Vision: 1.​ Royal Support for Women: ○​ King Abdullah II and Queen Rania have been key advocates for women's empowerment in Jordan. ○​ Queen Rania serves as a role model for Jordanian women, holding various ministerial positions and serving as an ambassador. Unit 5: History of Jordan​ ​ Jordan's Historical Significance: ○​ Located at the crossroads of Asia, Africa, and Europe, Jordan played a key role in Middle Eastern history. ○​ From ancient civilizations like the Nabateans (Petra) to being part of the Roman Empire, Jordan's history spans millennia. ​ Modern Era and Political Development: ○​ Decline of the Ottoman Empire: Following the Ottoman collapse, Jordan emerged as a political entity in the early 20th century. ○​ Great Arab Revolt (1916–1918): Led by Sharif Hussein bin Ali, the revolt aimed for Arab independence and a unified Arab kingdom. Jordan played a key role in this struggle. ○​ Emirate of Transjordan (1921): Established under Prince Abdullah I, beginning the Hashemite dynasty's rule. ○​ Independence (1946): Jordan officially gained independence and developed as a modern state. ​ Resilience and Adaptability: ○​ Jordan has maintained stability and moderation in a turbulent region. ○​ The country has balanced its rich heritage with the challenges of the 21st century. Key Historical Periods 1.​ Ottoman Era (1516–1918): ○​ Jordan was under Ottoman rule for 400 years. ○​ Neglect of infrastructure, schools, and services. ○​ Hijazi Railway: Built under Sultan Abdul Hamid II to support pilgrim travel, notable achievement despite stagnation. 2.​ The Great Arab Revolt (1916–1918): ○​ Led by Sharif Hussein bin Ali (Emir of Mecca) against the Ottoman Empire. ○​ Aimed to secure Arab independence from Ottoman rule. ○​ Promises made by the British in the Hussein-McMahon Correspondence to support Arab independence in return for an alliance. ○​ Jordan, under Ottoman control at the time, was pivotal in the revolt. The Great Arab Revolt and Jordan's Involvement ​ Origins and Objectives of the Revolt: ○​ Ottoman Rule: Arab territories were under Ottoman control, marked by neglect and cultural suppression. Nationalist aspirations grew, and Arab leaders sought liberation. ○​ Start of Revolt: The revolt officially began on June 10, 1916, with Sharif Hussein’s call to arms and the raising of the Arab flag in Mecca. ○​ Aims: The revolt aimed to dismantle Ottoman control and prevent the establishment of a Jewish homeland in Palestine (Balfour Declaration, 1917). Key Battles and Jordan’s Involvement: 1.​ Battle of Aqaba (1917): ○​ Arab forces, including Jordanian tribes, launched a surprise attack on Ottoman forces in Aqaba. ○​ Significance: Victory cut off Ottoman supply lines and provided a strategic port to Arab forces. 2.​ Destruction of the Hejaz Railway (1916–1918): ○​ Jordanian tribal fighters, with Arab regulars, targeted and sabotaged the Hejaz Railway. ○​ Significance: Weakened Ottoman control over the southern territories, disrupting supply lines. 3.​ Battle of Tafileh (1918): ○​ Collaboration between local fighters and Arab forces in southern Jordan. ○​ Significance: Critical victory that maintained the momentum towards Damascus. Aftermath and Legacy: ​ Capture of Damascus (1918): The revolt culminated in the capture of Damascus, and Prince Faisal (Sharif Hussein's son) was briefly declared King of Greater Syria. ​ Betrayals: The Sykes-Picot Agreement (1916) divided Arab territories between Britain and France, and the Balfour Declaration (1917) promised a Jewish homeland in Palestine, undermining Arab hopes for independence. ​ Legacy: Despite these betrayals, the revolt laid the foundation for modern Arab states, including Jordan. ​ Jordan’s Role in the Arab National Movement: ​ Prince Abdullah's Role: ○​ Prince Abdullah, Sharif Hussein’s second son, arrived in Ma'an in 1920 with the aim of liberating Syria from French control. ○​ Under British influence, Abdullah was persuaded to govern Transjordan instead. ○​ Transjordan's Establishment (1921): By 1921, Transjordan was formally established under Abdullah’s leadership and British oversight. ○​ Symbol of Arab Unity: The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan became a symbol of Arab unity and resistance, with the revolt’s legacy influencing governance. Post-WWI and Establishment of Transjordan (1918–1921): ​ San Remo Conference (1920): The Middle East was divided into British and French mandates. Palestine and Transjordan fell under British control. ​ Faisal’s Rule in Syria: Faisal’s brief rule ended when the French took control of Syria, and his brother, Prince Abdullah, sought to liberate Arab lands but was persuaded by the British to govern Transjordan. Background: From the Great Arab Revolt to the Mandate System: ​ Betrayal of Arab Hopes: ○​ The post-war agreements, especially the Sykes-Picot Agreement (1916) and the Balfour Declaration (1917), went against Arab aspirations for independence. ○​ The San Remo Conference (1920) formalized British and French mandates over Arab territories, including Palestine and Transjordan. ​ Prince Abdullah in Ma'an (1920): ○​ After his brother Faisal’s expulsion, Abdullah sought to rally Arab tribes and establish resistance. ○​ The British saw the opportunity to stabilize the area by formalizing Abdullah’s authority in Transjordan under British mandate. Founding the Emirate of Transjordan (1921) ​ Establishment: ○​ On April 11, 1921, the Emirate of Transjordan was officially founded during the Cairo Conference. ○​ British officials, including Winston Churchill, placed Transjordan under the administration of Prince Abdullah. ​ Objectives of the British Decision: ○​ Maintain Strategic Control: Ensure British dominance over routes connecting Egypt to Iraq. ○​ Counter-French Influence: Prevent French expansion into southern Syria and Transjordan. ○​ Appease Abdullah: Satisfy Abdullah's ambitions to secure Hashemite loyalty to British policies. ​ Status of the Emirate: ○​ Granted semi-autonomous status under British supervision. ○​ Abdullah served as ruler, but Britain retained authority over: ​ Defense ​ Foreign Policy ​ Finances ○​ The Anglo-Transjordanian Agreement (1928) formalized this arrangement, granting Transjordan limited independence. Challenges and Achievements 1.​ Challenges: ○​ Tribal Resistance: ​ Establishing centralized authority faced opposition from local tribes. ​ Rebellions, such as the Adwan Rebellion (1923), were suppressed using diplomacy and British military support. 2.​ Achievements: ○​ Building Institutions: ​ Creation of a functioning government and the establishment of the Arab Legion (Transjordan’s military force). ​ Centralized administrative power in Amman. ○​ Exclusion from the Balfour Declaration: ​ Abdullah successfully ensured that Transjordan was excluded from the Balfour Declaration, preventing Jewish migration and settlement in the region. ○​ Economic Development: ​ Despite limited resources, Abdullah initiated: ​ Infrastructure projects (e.g., roads, administrative buildings, schools). ​ These efforts laid the groundwork for modern governance. Transjordan’s Legacy and Path to Independence The Emirate of Transjordan evolved significantly under King Abdullah I's leadership, eventually leading to full independence in 1946. This transformation culminated in the creation of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan after the Treaty of London. Abdullah’s rule solidified the Hashemite dynasty’s presence in the region, marking a transition from the aspirations of the Arab Revolt to a practical approach in state-building, embodying both compromises and successes of the Arab nationalist movement. Independence and Consolidation (1946–1952) 1.​ Declaration of Independence (1946): ○​ May 25, 1946: The Treaty of London officially recognized Transjordan as an independent state, transforming it into the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan under King Abdullah I. ○​ Despite gaining independence, British influence remained significant, especially in military and economic matters. ○​ The country adopted a bicameral parliament and a new constitution, signaling its political development. 2.​ Participation in the 1948 Arab-Israeli War: ○​ The Arab Legion, under British command, played a key role in securing the West Bank during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. ○​ Jordan emerged as a significant player in the Arab-Israeli conflict, securing control over East Jerusalem and the West Bank. ○​ King Abdullah I advocated for unity between Jordan and Palestinian territories, though faced opposition from neighboring Arab states.  Jordan and the Palestinian Cause ​ Following the 1948 Arab-Israeli War (Nakba), which led to the displacement of Palestinians and the establishment of the state of Israel, Jordan took a leading role in supporting Palestinian refugees. ​ The Arab Legion, under Abdullah’s leadership, was the most effective Arab military force during the war and successfully retained control over East Jerusalem and the West Bank, preserving key sites like the Al-Aqsa Mosque. ​ King Abdullah I envisioned a Greater Syria and considered the unification of Jordan and Palestine as a step toward broader Arab unity. His approach focused on territorial consolidation and providing refuge for displaced Palestinians. The Unification of the East and West Banks (1950) 1.​ Jericho Conference (December 1948): ○​ Palestinian notables from the West Bank convened and voted to unite with Jordan under King Abdullah I, rejecting the formation of a separate Palestinian government proposed by the Arab League. 2.​ Integration and Elections (1949–1950): ○​ In April 1950, Jordan’s parliament ratified the unification of the East and West Banks. ○​ The newly formed Jordanian House of Representatives equally represented both banks, symbolizing their political integration. ○​ Jordan granted citizenship to Palestinians in the West Bank, fully integrating them into Jordan’s political and social systems. 3.​ Recognition and Controversy: ○​ The unification was recognized by Britain but faced opposition from Egypt and Saudi Arabia, who believed it undermined the Palestinian cause. ○​ King Abdullah I argued that unification strengthened the Arab position against Israeli expansion. Transition Period (1951–1953) 1.​ Assassination of King Abdullah I (1951): ○​ On July 20, 1951, King Abdullah I was assassinated at Al-Aqsa Mosque, allegedly by Palestinian nationalists opposed to his conciliatory stance toward Israel. ○​ His death marked a turning point, and Prince Talal ascended as King of Jordan. 2.​ Reign of King Talal (1951–1952): ○​ Despite his short reign, King Talal introduced progressive reforms, including a new constitution in 1952 that liberalized Jordan’s governance. ○​ However, due to health issues, King Talal was forced to abdicate, and his son, Hussein, succeeded him in 1952.  King Talal’s Achievements: ​ 1952 Constitution: King Talal’s reforms laid the foundation for Jordan’s constitutional monarchy and established a framework for civil liberties, rule of law, and the political role of the monarchy. The Era of King Hussein (1953–1999) 1.​ Early Reign (1953–1960s): ○​ King Hussein navigated early challenges, balancing Cold War politics and Arab nationalism. ○​ His diplomacy allowed Jordan to maintain alliances with Western powers and Arab states. 2.​ Achievements: ○​ State-Building: King Hussein played a crucial role in stabilizing Jordan, guiding the country through various regional challenges while ensuring sovereignty. ○​ Regional Diplomacy: King Hussein became a key figure in Middle Eastern diplomacy, notably mediating peace talks such as the Camp David Accords between Egypt and Israel. ○​ Modernization: King Hussein focused on economic development, infrastructure projects, and social welfare to improve Jordan’s quality of life. 3.​ Educational Reforms: ○​ King Hussein’s reign was marked by significant advancements in education: ​ Increased literacy rates and expanded schools across the country. ​ Higher education institutions, including the University of Jordan (1962), were founded, enhancing the nation’s education and research landscape. ​ Curriculum modernization aligned with national and global development goals, emphasizing science, technology, and vocational training. 4.​ King Hussein’s Legacy: ○​ Under his leadership, Jordan became a regional leader in education. ○​ His initiatives transformed Jordan’s educational system, producing a skilled workforce and contributing to Jordan's socio-economic growth. King Hussein's Political Reform and Challenges: ​ In 1991, King Hussein initiated the Jordanian National Charter, outlining political reforms and promoting national unity. The Charter emphasized democratization, political pluralism, and the rule of law, allowing for the formation of political parties. ​ King Hussein faced multiple assassination attempts and guided Jordan through numerous crises, including wars with Israel and regional upheavals. His leadership established him as a stabilizing force in the region. Passing and Legacy: ​ After a prolonged illness, King Hussein passed away on February 7, 1999, leaving a legacy of stability, modernization, and resilience. His reign was instrumental in shaping Jordan into the stable, modern nation it is today. ​ The Modern Era under King Abdullah II (1999–Present):​ ​ Ascension and Vision: King Abdullah II succeeded his father with a vision for modernization and reform. His early years were marked by efforts to combat corruption, enhance governance, and attract foreign investment. Economic challenges, including unemployment and limited resources, became central to his agenda. ​ Key Policies and Initiatives: Abdullah II has prioritized counterterrorism, interfaith dialogue, and fostering economic growth. He has been a vocal advocate for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, emphasizing Jordan’s role as a stabilizing force in the region. His leadership style reflects a blend of traditional Hashemite values with modern governance strategies. Achievements:​ ​ International Influence ​ Expanded Jordan's international role by contributing to global counterterrorism efforts. ​ Championed peace and cooperation in the Middle East. ​ Positioned Jordan as a progressive and inclusive society. Economic Development ​ Pursued strategies to attract foreign investment. ​ Focused on job creation and sustainable growth despite challenges such as high unemployment and limited resources. Continued Stability and Reform ​ Continued King Hussein’s legacy of promoting stability and reform. ​ Implemented economic reforms, improved governance, and combating corruption. Regional Leadership ​ Emerged as a prominent regional leader advocating for peace and moderation in the region. ​ Promoted interfaith dialogue and religious coexistence. ​ Played an active role in regional initiatives to address conflicts and promote stability. Counterterrorism and Security ​ Prioritized counterterrorism efforts to combat extremism. ​ Enhanced Jordan's security capabilities to maintain internal stability. ​ Contributed to international coalitions and initiatives against terrorism. Unit 6: National security and military institution​ ​ What is National Security? ​ Definition: National security is the ability of a country’s government to protect its ​ citizens, economy, and institutions from internal (domestic) and external (regional/international) threats. ​ Globalization Impact: ○​ With increased globalization and interconnectedness, state security is no longer solely reliant on military power. ○​ It requires a strategic combination of military and non-military tactics. ​ Significance: ○​ National security safeguards a nation’s sovereignty. ○​ It enhances a country’s ability to exert influence domestically and internationally. Measures of National Security ​ Sovereignty and Power: ○​ A state’s security can be measured by the degree of its sovereignty and power. ​ Threat Factors: ○​ Factors that undermine a state’s sovereignty and power are the primary threats to national security.​ ​ Key Terms and Concepts Sovereignty: Sovereignty refers to a state's authority and ability to govern itself and its population. It is categorized into two main types: ​ External Sovereignty: ○​ The authority of a state to govern itself without interference from external entities. ​ Internal Sovereignty: ○​ The government’s ability to exercise authority and govern its citizens within its territory. Definition of a Sovereign State (as per International Law) A sovereign state must possess the following four elements: 1.​ Permanent Population: A stable group of people residing within the state. 2.​ Defined Territory: Established borders and geographic boundaries. 3.​ One Government: A centralized authority to govern and implement laws. 4.​ Capacity for International Relations: The ability to engage and establish relationships with other sovereign states.​ ​ Power: the ability to influence change and enforce order within a state’s territories and on the world stage ​ Hard Power –uses methods of coercion (military and economy)​ Definition of Security Security refers to protecting against threats, risks, or dangers that could cause harm. It encompasses measures and practices to ensure safety, stability, and peace for individuals, organizations, and nations. National Security in Jordan National security involves safeguarding a country's critical interests, population, territory, and sovereignty from internal and external threats. It ensures safety and prosperity while advancing strategic interests and values. Key components include: ​ Military Defense ​ Intelligence Collection ​ Law Enforcement ​ Border Control ​ Cybersecurity ​ Economic Stability Current Threats to Jordan's National Security 1.​ Terrorism and Extremism: ○​ Threats from regional and local terrorist groups and extreme ideologies. 2.​ Border Security: ○​ Illegal activities such as trafficking, smuggling, and armed group infiltrations. 3.​ Cybersecurity: ○​ Vulnerabilities to hacking, data breaches, and cyber espionage due to reliance on digital technologies. 4.​ Regional Instability: ○​ Refugee influx and spillover violence from neighboring conflict zones (e.g., Syria and Iraq). 5.​ Economic Challenges: ○​ Financial difficulties including high unemployment, poverty, and resource scarcity threaten social stability. Foundations of Jordanian National Security 1.​ Military Defense: ○​ Building strong military capabilities to protect sovereignty. 2.​ Intelligence and Counterterrorism: ○​ Enhancing intelligence operations to prevent and counter terrorist activities. 3.​ Diplomacy and Regional Cooperation: ○​ Engaging in partnerships to address shared security challenges. 4.​ Border Control and Law Enforcement: ○​ Strengthening measures to combat cross-border threats. 5.​ Socioeconomic Development: ○​ Promoting development to address root causes of instability. Key Considerations for Jordanian National Security 1.​ Arab National Security Connection: ○​ Jordan’s security is intertwined with Arab national security. 2.​ Professional Armed Forces: ○​ Emphasizing professionalism in the military. 3.​ Economic and Social Security: ○​ Ensuring prosperity for all citizens is a security pillar. 4.​ Democratic Strengthening: ○​ Deepening commitment to the homeland and trust in institutions. 5.​ Stability in Key Fields: ○​ Political, economic, social, and environmental stability as true pillars of security. ​ Role of Jordan’s Military Institution National Defense and Security ​ Border Protection: Preventing illegal activities and infiltration. ​ Counterterrorism: Combating terrorism domestically and regionally. ​ Internal Stability: Ensuring order during crises. Regional and International Cooperation ​ Peacekeeping Missions: Contributing to global peace efforts. ​ Alliances: Collaborating with allies for training and intelligence sharing. ​ Humanitarian Assistance: Supporting refugee camps and crisis management. Economic and Developmental Contributions ​ Infrastructure Projects: Supporting national development. ​ Employment: Providing jobs and economic growth. ​ Innovation: Advancing technology through military industries. Symbol of National Unity ​ Promoting Patriotism: A unifying force in society. ​ Royal Engagement: Strong ties between the monarchy and the armed forces. Response to Humanitarian Crises ​ Disaster Relief: Providing logistics, medical aid, and rescue operations. ​ Refugee Support: Managing the challenges posed by refugee influxes. Jordan faces a range of interconnected challenges to its national security that arise from both internal vulnerabilities and external threats. These include: 1.​ Regional Instability ○​ Proximity to Conflict Zones: Jordan’s location near Syria, Iraq, Israel, and Palestine exposes it to spillover effects, such as militant activities and refugee influxes. ○​ Terrorism and Extremism: Threats from extremist groups like ISIS create risks of attacks, recruitment, and radicalization. ​ Terrorism: Violence aimed at achieving political goals, often indiscriminately targeting civilians. ​ International Terrorism: Activities involving foreign organizations or state sponsors. ​ Domestic Terrorism: Acts motivated by domestic issues like politics or religion. ​ Terrorist Groups: Entities using terror tactics to achieve radical objectives. 2.​ Refugee Crisis ○​ Strain on Resources: Hosting millions of refugees has increased pressure on Jordan’s economy, infrastructure, and social services. ○​ Security Risks: Refugee camps and urban areas are potential hotspots for radicalization or criminal activities. 3.​ Economic Challenges ○​ Dependence on External Aid: Heavy reliance on foreign assistance limits self-sufficiency. ○​ Unemployment and Poverty: These socioeconomic issues heighten risks of unrest and radicalization. ○​ Budget Constraints: Financial limitations restrict military and security enhancements. 4.​ Border Security ○​ Smuggling and Illegal Trade: Challenges include controlling the trafficking of weapons, drugs, and people. ○​ Cross-Border Infiltration: Militant and arms movement across borders with Syria and Iraq remain concerns. 5.​ Water Scarcity and Environmental Issues ○​ Water Security: Being one of the world’s most water-scarce nations, Jordan faces challenges from climate change and population growth. ○​ Environmental Challenges: Droughts and desertification threaten agriculture and stability. 6.​ Cybersecurity Threats ○​ Digital Vulnerabilities: Increased reliance on technology makes Jordan susceptible to cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure. The impact of globalization and regional conflict on Jordan's national security is substantial and multifaceted. Key dimensions of this impact include: 1. Globalization ​ Opportunities: ○​ Globalization has enhanced Jordan's economic growth, trade, and cultural exchange, fostering development and integration into the global economy. ​ Challenges: ○​ Increased exposure to transnational threats, such as terrorism, cybercrime, and illicit trafficking, necessitates advanced security measures and international collaboration. 2. Regional Conflict ​ Spillover Effects: ○​ Proximity to conflict zones like Syria and Iraq results in cross-border violence, refugee influxes, and the spread of extremist ideologies. ​ Disrupted Stability: ○​ Regional conflicts affect trade, energy supplies, and diplomatic ties, undermining Jordan's economic and social stability. 3. Refugee Crisis ​ Resource Strain: ○​ Hosting millions of refugees, mainly from Syria and Palestine, places immense pressure on Jordan's infrastructure, economy, and public services. ​ Social and Security Risks: ○​ Increased competition for jobs and services can lead to societal tensions, potential radicalization, and unrest in refugee-hosting areas. 4. Geopolitical Dynamics ​ Regional Rivalries: ○​ Tensions among key players like Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Israel create a volatile environment that indirectly affects Jordan's security. ​ Proxy Conflicts: ○​ Political rivalries and interventions in neighboring countries disrupt stability and pose challenges to Jordan’s interests. Jordan's Response to Challenges To address these interconnected issues, Jordan has adopted a comprehensive approach: ​ Strengthening Border Security: Enhancing surveillance and control to prevent cross-border violence and smuggling. ​ Counterterrorism Measures: Building robust capabilities to combat extremist threats. ​ Socioeconomic Development: Promoting stability through job creation, poverty reduction, and sustainable development initiatives. ​ Regional Diplomacy: Engaging in dialogue and cooperation with neighboring countries to mitigate conflicts and promote stability. ​ International Partnerships: Collaborating with global allies to address transnational threats and secure foreign aid. Despite the challenges posed by globalization and regional conflict, Jordan remains steadfast in safeguarding its sovereignty, ensuring stability, and pursuing prosperity for its citizens.