This material was published in the second issue of the Jordanian Politics and Society magazine (JPS).

The term national security of states refers to the protection and preservation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of a state and the well-being of its citizens from external and internal threats. It includes a wide range of measures, including protection of national sovereignty, prevention and deterrence, economic and political stability, military preparedness and social cohesion, international diplomatic alliances and the custodian of energy resources to ensure and protect the interests of the nation and ensure its stability and development.

A strategically located country in the Middle East, Jordan has always been a pillar of regional stability despite the many challenges it has faced since the founding of the state. Given its proximity to major geopolitical hotspots such as Syria, Iraq, Israel, and Palestine, Jordan’s national security is inextricably linked to the dynamics of regional conflicts, global powers, and changing relations within the Arab world. Central to Jordan’s national security policy is its relationship with the GCC states—particularly Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Qatar—which has been central to shaping the kingdom’s political, economic, and military strategies.

Jordan’s National Security Challenges

Jordan’s national security is affected by a set of internal and external factors, which are greatly reflected in its national security, which contributes to narrowing the spaces of options for the political decision-maker to achieve the required political and security balances.

Among the most important of these factors, which pose a fundamental challenge to Jordan’s national security, are a set of internal and external factors:

1. Regional instability: 

Jordan shares borders with countries embroiled in ongoing conflicts, including Syria, Iraq, and Palestine. The Syrian civil war, in particular, has posed significant security risks, as the influx of refugees has strained Jordan’s resources and created potential for extremism or spillover violence. Additionally, Jordan faced challenges related to drug trafficking and armed militias along its northern border, particularly before the recent changes in Syria’s political landscape.

For years under the Asad regime, drug smuggling across the Syrian border into Jordan, and subsequently to Gulf countries, has exerted pressure not only on Jordan’s security apparatus but also on its social and economic structures. Notably, the latest publication by the Policy and Society Institute, authored by researcher Hassan Jaber, titled The Northern War, highlights the security risks caused by drug trafficking, which was officially sanctioned by the former Syrian regime and impacted Jordan for many years.

Moreover, Jordan’s proximity to Israel and the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict exposes it to developments that can destabilize its borders and internal security due to its geographical and social ties to Palestine.

• Weak structure of the Jordanian economy:

Jordan’s economy, heavily reliant on foreign aid and remittances from Jordanians working abroad (many of whom are in the Gulf), faces significant structural challenges. A large portion of the population depends on government subsidies, particularly for energy and essential goods.

Economic instability could lead to domestic discontent, fueled by governmental policies that have failed to provide long-term solutions to Jordan’s structural economic issues. These challenges are exacerbated by regional conflicts and crises, which have significantly impacted international trade routes, Jordanian industries, the agricultural sector, and tourism—a key pillar of the national economy.

The current government is making significant efforts to address these longstanding issues, particularly by promoting and incentivizing investment as a critical driver of Jordan’s economic recovery.

• Terrorism and extremism:

Jordan has long been a target for terrorist organizations, such as al-Qaeda and ISIS, which have sought to exploit regional instability to undermine the country’s security and stability. However, Jordan’s robust security and military efforts, coupled with the lack of social support for extremist ideologies and the awareness of the Jordanian people and residents, have thwarted attempts to destabilize the country.

In this context, Jordan has played a pivotal role as a key partner in global counterterrorism efforts, particularly in collaboration with Western allies. Nonetheless, the threat of extremism, both within Jordan and in its surrounding region, remains a pressing concern.

One contributing factor is the failure of Israel to cooperate in achieving a fair and comprehensive resolution to the Palestinian issue. The ongoing occupation serves as an inspiration and rallying point for ideological and extremist movements in the region. Without meaningful solutions that uphold the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination, as enshrined in international laws and resolutions, extremist groups may find further justification for actions that threaten Jordan’s national security.

• Internal Jordanian affairs as a source of threat or stability: 

While Jordan enjoys structural stability compared to its neighbors, periodic protests and public discontent over economic and political issues can challenge the status quo that has characterized the country for many years. The government’s ability to address opposition and maintain national cohesion remains a constant priority for Jordanian authorities.

In response to these concerns, Jordanian decision-makers have recognized the necessity and importance of public participation in decision-making processes. As a result of a broad national effort involving all Jordanian political and social factions, a comprehensive framework for political, economic, and administrative modernization was developed under the directive of the head of state.

This initiative resulted in an electoral law that garnered widespread approval across Jordanian society and led to a significant parliamentary election in the context of Jordan’s democratic transition, with the participation of Jordanian opposition groups. This development helped alleviate public anger toward the government and demonstrated the success of Jordan’s political system in distributing decision-making responsibilities among national institutions, rather than placing the burden solely on the monarchy.

Jordan’s Strategic Relationship with the Gulf States

Jordan’s relationship with the Gulf states is pivotal in addressing many of these security and economic challenges. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which includes Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman and Kuwait, plays an influential role in regional geopolitics, and its members have provided fundamental and historical support to Jordan in various ways as a result of the distinctive relationship that binds Jordan with the Gulf states, represented by mutual respect between the Jordanian leadership and the leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council, as well as the people-to-people ties between these countries and Jordan.

Military and security cooperation

Military and security cooperation is one of the main pillars of Gulf-Jordanian cooperation. Jordan and the Gulf states share common interests in countering regional threats, particularly from terrorist groups and growing Iranian influence in the region, which has dealt a heavy blow to what has happened in Syria over the past few days.

Jordan and Saudi Arabia: Military and Security Cooperation

As the largest member of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in terms of population, economic resources, and influence, Saudi Arabia is a key ally of Jordan in military and security collaboration. The two nations exchange intelligence on counterterrorism and security threats affecting their national stability and have engaged in joint military exercises to enhance the capabilities of their armed forces. In recent years, Jordanian forces have participated in Saudi-led coalitions, particularly in the Yemen conflict, where both countries have cooperated in combating Houthi insurgents and other regional threats.

Jordan and the UAE: A Renewed Military and Security Partnership

The UAE, with its significant advancements in military capabilities, has fostered a strong relationship with Jordan. The two countries collaborate on counterterrorism efforts, with the UAE providing military and financial assistance to strengthen Jordan’s military and security defenses. This support is vital for Jordan’s ability to maintain a stable military presence along its borders, particularly in the face of threats from ISIS and other extremist groups on its northern and eastern borders.

Jordan and Kuwait: A Historical Relationship

Kuwait has played a vital role in providing development aid to Jordan, particularly in the security and military sectors, amid rising refugee inflows from neighboring conflict zones. This assistance has helped Jordan maintain internal stability, which in turn supports broader regional security objectives.

The Economic and Financial Dimension of Jordan-Gulf Relations

The economic relationship between Jordan and the Gulf states is equally significant. Over the years, Jordan has received substantial financial aid, investments, and loans from GCC countries, helping it navigate economic hardships and maintain political stability. Major contributors include Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Kuwait. Since the Arab Spring in 2011, when Jordan experienced its own waves of protests, Gulf states have provided billions of dollars in assistance to bolster Jordan’s economy.

In return, Jordan has often aligned itself with Gulf countries on key regional and political issues, contributing to shared objectives in the Arab region, the Middle East, and on the international stage.

The Gulf states also serve as a vital employment market for skilled Jordanian professionals, particularly in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, where thousands contribute to various economic and technological sectors. The remittances sent back by these workers significantly impact Jordan’s economy, providing substantial income for many families and supporting investment and production within the country.

On the other hand, Gulf investments in Jordan span major projects in infrastructure, real estate, and energy. For instance, the UAE has invested in renewable energy projects in Jordan, helping reduce its dependency on imported energy and ensuring a more secure energy future. Kuwait, with its investments exceeding $20 billion in recent years, has become a significant investment partner due to its accumulated expertise. Saudi Arabia has also financed numerous developmental projects, playing a critical role in alleviating the economic burden on the Jordanian government.

Political and Diplomatic Ties Between Jordan and the Gulf States

Jordan and the Gulf states share mutual respect regarding sovereignty and collaboration on regional and international platforms. Over the years, this relationship has demonstrated strategic alignment across various domains, reflecting its resilience and depth.

Both Jordan and the GCC countries share common concerns about Iran’s regional influence and the threat posed by extremist groups. Their shared apprehension about Iran’s ambitions, particularly its interventions in Iraq, Syria, Yemen, and Lebanon, has driven increased security cooperation, including intelligence sharing and joint military exercises.

Furthermore, Jordan’s support for the Arab Peace Initiative concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict often mirrors the positions of Gulf states, especially Saudi Arabia. Gulf states have consistently recognized Jordan’s pivotal role, particularly regarding Jerusalem and its custodianship over the city’s holy sites.

Challenges and Future Prospects

Despite their close ties, several challenges could influence the future relationship between Jordan and the Gulf states:

1. Shifting Regional Alliances: Gulf states are undergoing a period of diplomatic realignment. For example, the UAE has adopted a more independent foreign policy in recent years, fostering closer relations with Israel through the Abraham Accords. While Jordan supports peace processes, its cautious stance toward Israel can sometimes lead to divergences in its relationship with the Gulf states.

Saudi Arabia’s stance on Israel—insisting that normalization is contingent on securing Palestinian rights—offers Jordan some reassurance. Although relations between Jordan and Saudi Arabia have appeared muted in recent years, Jordan recognizes Saudi Arabia’s potential to play a significant role in the region, especially amid the diminished influence of traditional Arab powerhouses.

Additionally, Jordan acknowledges Qatar’s ambition to assume a more prominent political role and its regional alignments, even when these do not align with Jordan’s views on the roles of other regional powers like Turkey and Iran.

• Economic Pressures in the Gulf: Gulf economies are undergoing significant transformations due to fluctuating oil prices and a push toward diversification. As these states adjust to new economic realities, their financial aid to Jordan may diminish, potentially affecting Jordan’s ability to address domestic economic and security challenges.

Recognizing this shift, Jordan has been actively working to reduce its dependency on Gulf aid by fostering self-reliance and aligning its strategies with the evolving Gulf perspectives on financial assistance.

• Internal Dynamics in Jordan: Jordan faces its own political and economic pressures, which could impact its relationship with the Gulf. The Jordanian government’s political choices often diverge from those of Gulf states. For instance, Jordan has embraced a different approach to respecting popular will and fostering political participation among its citizens.

This approach has led to broader participation by various political factions in recent elections and advancements in the party-based political process. These developments, while positive for Jordan’s democratic evolution, might create ideological and political discomfort for some Gulf states.

Moreover, Jordan’s active civil society and relatively free press represent additional dynamics that could influence its relationship with the Gulf and other regional actors.

Conclusion

Jordan’s national security is closely intertwined with its relations with the Gulf states, particularly considering the evident instability in once pivotal political actors like Iraq and Syria. Through military cooperation, economic assistance, and diplomatic alignment, Jordan has navigated the complex security environment of the Middle East.

The support provided by Gulf states has been vital in helping Jordan maintain stability, even amidst significant challenges. However, Jordan’s ongoing political modernization, political development, and the revisions it is undergoing may pose sensitivities for some Gulf states. This is particularly true for states that perceive the active participation of certain ideological forces in the political process as a genuine threat to their stability.