jordan pulse -

By Dr. Laith Abdullah Al-Qahawi

Amid regional shifts, internal challenges, Jordan stands at a crossroads demanding deep revision of political, economic modernisation. Political system long promising reform still requires real, not cosmetic, action. Hesitation reflects in party landscape marked by structural weakness, lack of vision, near-total disconnection from public—especially youth, backbone of future.

Jordanian youth face political, economic alienation—not from lack of loyalty, but from accumulated disappointment, limited opportunities. A steady job became distant dream. Migration seen as rational option—not for wealth, but escape from injustice, lack of empowerment. Youth-focused initiatives remain superficial, cosmetic—failing to inspire real change or restore lost hope.

Political modernisation efforts—legal amendments, new institutions, dialogue forums—still fail to generate grassroots political content or forge bold, competent party class capable of steering national direction. Official rhetoric leans toward abstract theorising, distant from daily struggles, especially under economic crisis worsened by bureaucracy, weak public sector, unjust resource distribution.

Lack of genuine will to open public space to youth worsens divide—young remain sidelined, treated as audience or PR tools. Continued marginalisation risks deeper state-society rupture, empowers informal alternatives with potential threats to stability. Real empowerment demands more than media campaigns—requires access to political process via parties, parliament, local councils, leadership roles, and end to recycling officials across posts or using youth as stepping stones.

Economically, absence of clear productive strategy promoting entrepreneurship, innovation, youth energy renders reforms short-lived. Real progress hinges on enabling environment pulling youth from margins to economic centre—via serious training, entrepreneurship support, investment in key sectors. State must reassess education, labour market policies to close skill-job gap—possible only through real public-private partnership.

Despite all, Jordanian youth hold deep loyalty, determination to stay, contribute—if heard, respected by institutions. Emotional attachment must not be underestimated, exploited—should drive new social contract based on rights, responsibilities, good governance.

Jordan’s future tied to shift from symbolic reform to structural transformation—starting with political inclusion, followed by productive, just economy, ending in strong civil state embracing all citizens without exclusion. Compass still in state’s hands—but who dares point it forward, bear cost of future journey? This remains defining question.