By Dominic Brunaccioni
Executive Summary:
In the 21st century, which has seen the rise of new methods of warfare and political philosophies, and more currently, the strains of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the United States of America have steadfast continued to strengthen their international relationship ever since their initial diplomatic coordination in 1949. Be it through avenues of economics or military protection, both nations aspire for greater peace globally and to better the Middle East as a whole. With the aid of Saudi Arabia and all other members of the anti-Houthi coalition, this goal of peace has been the diplomatic driver for Jordan and the United States for over four decades.
Jordan-United States Economics and Social Efforts: Between the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the United States, diplomacy through economics has brought greater peace in Jordan and to its people, helped to propel Jordan as a leading figure in the Middle East and beyond, as well as evolving Jordan into a crucial nation in multiple global efforts and functions to end human displacements and refugee crises, especially those from the Syrian Arab Republic, the Republic of Iraq, and the State of Palestine.
Being that the United States is Jordan’s largest provider of bilateral assistance, their economic relations have had many years of substantial growth. As Jordan was the first Arab-majority country to open up a Free Trade Agreement with the United States in its history, both nations collaborate to better all Jordan aspects of daily life for its citizens. Through the prowess of diplomacy, the United States has annually provided economic assistance to Jordan to better its roads, waterways, educational institutions, as well as extensive economic relief for the much needed government-led refugee camps in Jordan. In return for the American-sent aid, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan has housed the most refugees of any nation facing the Syrian refugee crisis. The role of Jordan in these crises, as well as any such humanitarian efforts, is crucial. Multiple United Nations organizations, as well as NGOs, work alongside Jordan to provide food, work, and housing for the displaced peoples.
Most recently, the current threat of COVID-19 has threatened the globe and has caused much social unrest. With its decades of historical diplomacy and friendship, the United States has sent over eight million (USD) in funds to aid the Hashemite Kingdom in its fight against the pandemic, as the United States diplomatic outlook of Jordan is that strengthening the Hashemite Kingdom will then lead to a more unified Middle East. These accomplishments that Jordan has achieved works hand in hand with its diplomatic ties to the United States.
Jordan-United States Military Cooperation and Stability: With the Middle East plagued by proxy wars for decades, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the United States have strived to turn to military diplomacy to work together in ceasing all conflicts before more violence and loss is brought upon the region. With stability as the ideal foundation for the two nations, Jordan and the United States have created and followed through with multiple joint military initiatives and programs-- so much so, that the two nations have had multiple Memoranda of Understanding throughout their diplomatic history. These programs are put in place to not only ensure the safety of Jordan civilians, but also to protect overall Middle Eastern security and way of life.
Both Jordan and the United States of America play a key role in the ongoing proxy wars between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Iran. In an effort to cease all conflicts, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the United States of America both advocate for and support specific Saudi Arabian-led coalition in the areas of Iranian interest. From the war-torn Yemeni, Afghan, and Syrian Republics, to the increasingly politically polarized nations of Sudan and Nigeria, the proxy wars increasing in violence and tension must be resolved. Both nations find difficulty in a balancing act between striving for peace, and choosing a side in a dangerous and violent 21st century Cold War.
Thus, it is in the diplomatic interest of both the United States and Jordan to not only provide stability to these nations for the safety of their civilians, but also to build up a more united Middle East in place of the power struggle that has been occurring since the start of the struggle in 1979, with Jordan on the forefront of reform missions and initiatives. That diplomatic goal, in of itself, is a goal shared by all nations and members of the international community, as well as many NGO and United Nations organizations. With their historical diplomatic ties, it will be the Kingdom of Jordan and the United States at the forefront of bringing this goal shared by the international community into fruition.
Reference List
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“U.S. Relations With Jordan - United States Department of State.” Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, U.S. Department of State, 30 June 2020, <www.state.gov/u-s-relations-with-jordan/.>
“U.S. Security Cooperation With Jordan - United States Department of State.” Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, U.S. Department of State, 8 Apr. 2020, <www.state.gov/u-s-security-cooperation-with-jordan/.>