jordan pulse -
Dr. Laith Abdullah Al-Qahawi
In the face of current regional challenges, Jordan remains one of the countries contending with both internal and external pressures, making the reinforcement of its domestic front essential for stability and progress. Economic conditions, coupled with social and political pressures, present major challenges that require an integrated response involving all sectors of society—from the government to national institutions and civil society.
Jordan has experienced increasing economic difficulties in recent years due to regional instability and the fallout of global economic crises. Unemployment, exceeding 23% among the youth, imposes a heavy burden on the domestic front, with many young people facing a lack of economic and employment opportunities, leading to frustration and threatening social stability. Additionally, rising poverty levels and inequality exacerbate public discontent, making social cohesion more fragile.
The country’s significant reliance on foreign aid further weakens its national economy, as Jordan heavily depends on international loans and grants. This dependency makes any shifts in international relations or global policies a potential threat to Jordan’s economic stability. Furthermore, Jordan bears the brunt of conflicts in neighboring countries like Syria and Iraq, hosting hundreds of thousands of refugees, which strains the country’s infrastructure and essential services.
The regional challenges require Jordan to tread cautiously with political and security developments in neighboring states. Any escalation in these countries could adversely affect Jordan’s internal stability. For instance, the ongoing conflict in Syria and instability in Iraq place Jordan in a position where it must enhance its resilience to shifting regional dynamics and ensure that external crises do not spill over. To this end, Jordan needs to bolster its defense and security capabilities to safeguard its borders and maintain internal security amid growing regional threats.
In response to these challenges, the role of both government and civil society in fortifying the domestic front becomes increasingly vital. This includes implementing developmental policies that contribute to social and political stability, particularly by stimulating the national economy through the support of small, medium, and micro-enterprises. These ventures can real job opportunities and boost local production, forming a cornerstone for economic development. Supporting these projects is a step toward self-sufficiency and reducing dependency on imports and foreign aid.
Additionally, the legislative environment must be strengthened to attract both local and foreign investments. This calls for enhancing transparency and combating corruption, which would a conducive environment for investment and foster trust between investors and the government. Investments in infrastructure would further improve the business climate and encourage investment in critical sectors.
The role of national institutions and civil society cannot be overlooked in this context. Political parties, unions, and associations can play a significant part in promoting national dialogue and social cohesion. These institutions must effectively identify community priorities and contribute to decision-making. Furthermore, enhancing the role of women in these institutions is crucial for fostering diversity and justice in society, as women can play a pivotal role in promoting social cohesion and contributing to development.
Youth are the key to strengthening the domestic front, and empowering them should be a top priority. Their participation in the political process must be encouraged through laws that facilitate their engagement in political and social work—whether by participating in elections or through volunteer work and community initiatives. Moreover, enhancing education and vocational training is essential for equipping youth with the skills needed to enter the workforce and contribute to economic development.
Economic empowerment of youth is crucial to ensuring the stability of the domestic front. Training and qualification programs should be provided to increase job opportunities, alongside encouraging entrepreneurial spirit and creativity by supporting startups. Youth who feel part of the solution and see themselves playing a role in building the future are more likely to contribute positively to society, which in turn strengthens social cohesion and stability. Awareness programs that emphasize citizenship values and belonging should also be offered, highlighting the youth’s role as key drivers of change and progress within the community.
Additionally, increasing youth participation in cultural, sports, and social activities can foster a sense of national belonging and build a more cohesive society. Youth activities help develop their capabilities and channel their energy into constructive pursuits that promote stability and progress. It is important for the government and relevant institutions to provide the necessary infrastructure to support youth activities and encourage their active participation in nation-building.
One cannot discuss strengthening the domestic front without addressing the importance of national unity. Social cohesion is the bedrock of stability in any country, and in Jordan, where the population is diverse, enhancing national unity is critical to maintaining stability. Clear policies should promote dialogue among different social components, emphasizing diversity as a source of strength rather than weakness.
The government must play a crucial role by adopting fair policies that include all societal groups, fostering a sense of citizenship and equality. Additionally, the media and educational institutions should work to spread values of tolerance and coexistence, while strengthening a shared national identity. Continuous awareness campaigns aimed at promoting mutual understanding among different social groups and strengthening bonds within Jordanian society are essential.
Amid the current challenges facing Jordan, in an unstable regional environment, reinforcing the domestic front requires a comprehensive strategy that encompasses economic, social, and political dimensions. This strategy must be based on collaboration between the government, civil society institutions, and youth, focusing on boosting local production, youth empowerment, and national unity.
The path to stability demands a clear vision and strong will to overcome these challenges. By strengthening the domestic front, Jordan can not only withstand the challenges but also build a more stable and prosperous future for all its citizens. There must be a continuous commitment from all stakeholders to work together to achieve this vision by enhancing transparency, promoting social justice, and ensuring equal opportunities for all. Through investing in national capacities and reinforcing values of collective effort and solidarity, Jordan can achieve long-term stability and serve as a model of social cohesion and sustainable development in the region.