The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan has long pursued a balanced and pragmatic foreign policy, positioning itself as a key ally of the West and a moderate force in the Middle East. Its pro-Western alignment and formal peace with Israel have made it a unique and influential player in a region marked by tension, conflict, and political polarization.
Historical Background: Strategic Alignment with the West
Jordan’s close ties with the West date back to the early Cold War period. Following its independence in 1946, Jordan—under King Abdullah I and later King Hussein—chose alignment with Western powers such as the United Kingdom and the United States, viewing this relationship as essential to national security and economic survival.
During the 1950s and 60s, while other Arab nations drifted toward socialism or pan-Arab nationalism, Jordan maintained strong military and economic ties with Britain and the U.S., receiving aid, arms, and political support.
This strategic alignment helped Jordan preserve its monarchy, resist internal coups, and maintain regional stability, particularly during conflicts such as the 1967 Six-Day War and the Palestinian uprising in 1970 (Black September).
Peace with Israel: A Landmark Step
In 1994, under King Hussein, Jordan became the second Arab country (after Egypt) to sign a peace treaty with Israel. This was a historic moment, ending decades of conflict and normalizing diplomatic, security, and economic relations between the two nations.
The peace treaty allowed:
- Secure borders and intelligence sharing
- Water cooperation agreements between the two arid countries
- U.S.-brokered investments and economic aid
- A platform for advocating for Palestinian rights diplomatically, not militarily
Despite occasional tensions—especially over Jerusalem and Palestinian issues—Jordan’s peace with Israel remains intact, largely due to shared security concerns, particularly regarding extremism and border stability.
