The Future of the Protest Movement in Jordan

{
  "authors": [
    "Marwan Muasher"
  ],
  "type": "legacyinthemedia",
  "centerAffiliationAll": "dc",
  "centers": [
    "Carnegie Endowment for International Peace",
    "Malcolm H. Kerr Carnegie Middle East Center"
  ],
  "collections": [
    "Arab Awakening"
  ],
  "englishNewsletterAll": "menaTransitions",
  "nonEnglishNewsletterAll": "",
  "primaryCenter": "Carnegie Endowment for International Peace",
  "programAffiliation": "MEP",
  "programs": [
    "Middle East"
  ],
  "projects": [],
  "regions": [
    "Middle East",
    "Jordan",
    "Levant"
  ],
  "topics": [
    "Political Reform",
    "Economy"
  ]
}

In The Media

The Future of the Protest Movement in Jordan

The protest movement in Jordan is fundamentally about opening the political system in Jordan, not economic grievances.

By Marwan Muasher

Published on Feb 10, 2011

Source: France 24

The unrest in Tunisia and Egypt has sparked protest movements throughout the Arab world. In Jordan, protesters have called for a serious political reform process. Marwan Muasher explained to France24 that, since King Abdullah II has come to power, he has presided over seven different governments, each charged with implementing reform and each failing to do so. The political and business elites of the country have worked hard to maintain Jordan’s status quo, Muasher said, and “serious efforts that would widen decision making processes and institute checks and balances have been blocked along the way.”

The Jordanian government's efforts to subsidize basic foodstuffs and raise public-sector wages will not be enough to ameliorate the calls for serious political reform, Muasher said. The economic measures taken by the government in Jordan are only addressing one of the protesters’ grievances. Ultimately, Muasher concluded, these protests are about political reform and democracy, not the economy.

About the Author

Marwan Muasher

Vice President for Studies

Marwan Muasher is vice president for studies at Carnegie, where he oversees research in Washington and Beirut on the Middle East. Muasher served as foreign minister (2002–2004) and deputy prime minister (2004–2005) of Jordan, and his career has spanned the areas of diplomacy, development, civil society, and communications.

Recent Work

Commentary
Bombing Campaigns Do Not Bring About Democracy. Nor Does Regime Change Without a Plan.
- Marwan Muasher
Other
Unpacking Trump’s National Security Strategy
- +18
  James M. Acton, Saskia Brechenmacher, Cecily Brewer, …

Political Reform Economy Middle East Jordan Levant

Carnegie does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.

More Work from Carnegie Europe

Commentary
Strategic Europe
Russia’s Imperial Retreat Is Europe’s Strategic Opportunity
The war in Ukraine is costing Russia its leverage overseas. Across the South Caucasus and Middle East, this presents an opportunity for Europe to pick up the pieces and claim its own sphere of influence.
William Dixon, Maksym Beznosiuk
Commentary
Strategic Europe
Europe and the Arab Gulf Must Come Together
The war in Iran proves the United States is now a destabilizing actor for Europe and the Arab Gulf. From protect their economies and energy supplies to safeguarding their territorial integrity, both regions have much to gain from forming a new kind of partnership together.
Rym Momtaz
Commentary
Strategic Europe
The EU Needs a Third Way in Iran
European reactions to the war in Iran have lost sight of wider political dynamics. The EU must position itself for the next phase of the crisis without giving up on its principles.
Richard Youngs
Commentary
Strategic Europe
Europe on Iran: Gone with the Wind
Europe’s reaction to the war in Iran has been disunited and meek, a far cry from its previously leading role in diplomacy with Tehran. To avoid being condemned to the sidelines while escalation continues, Brussels needs to stand up for international law.
Pierre Vimont
Commentary
Strategic Europe
How Europe Can Survive the AI Labor Transition
Integrating AI into the workplace will increase job insecurity, fundamentally reshaping labor markets. To anticipate and manage this transition, the EU must build public trust, provide training infrastructures, and establish social protections.
Amanda Coakley

More Work from Carnegie Europe

Commentary

Strategic Europe

Russia’s Imperial Retreat Is Europe’s Strategic Opportunity

The war in Ukraine is costing Russia its leverage overseas. Across the South Caucasus and Middle East, this presents an opportunity for Europe to pick up the pieces and claim its own sphere of influence.

William Dixon, Maksym Beznosiuk

Commentary

Strategic Europe

Europe and the Arab Gulf Must Come Together

The war in Iran proves the United States is now a destabilizing actor for Europe and the Arab Gulf. From protect their economies and energy supplies to safeguarding their territorial integrity, both regions have much to gain from forming a new kind of partnership together.

Rym Momtaz

Commentary

Strategic Europe

The EU Needs a Third Way in Iran

European reactions to the war in Iran have lost sight of wider political dynamics. The EU must position itself for the next phase of the crisis without giving up on its principles.

Richard Youngs

Commentary

Strategic Europe

Europe on Iran: Gone with the Wind

Europe’s reaction to the war in Iran has been disunited and meek, a far cry from its previously leading role in diplomacy with Tehran. To avoid being condemned to the sidelines while escalation continues, Brussels needs to stand up for international law.

Pierre Vimont

Commentary

Strategic Europe

How Europe Can Survive the AI Labor Transition

Integrating AI into the workplace will increase job insecurity, fundamentally reshaping labor markets. To anticipate and manage this transition, the EU must build public trust, provide training infrastructures, and establish social protections.

Amanda Coakley