Democracy and Islam in Jordan

Table of Contents

1 Introduction

1.1 Definitions

1.1.1 Democracy

1.1.2 Islam and Islamism

2 The Jordanian State and Government and its (Non-) Democratic Structures

2.1 History and Political Development since Establishment of the State 1922

2.2 Political System and Democratic Structures

2.2.1.1 The Government

2.2.1.2 The Election System

2.2.1.3 Ethnic demography and the Middle Class

2.2.1.4 Civic Participation

2.2.1.5 NGOs in Jordan

2.2.1.6 Human Rights in Jordan

2.2.1.7 Women in Jordan

2.2.1.8 Freedom of Opinion & Media

2.2.1.9 Summary: Democratic Structures in Jordan

2.3 The Relevance of External Actors for Jordan

3 The Islamist Movement in Jordan

3.1 History since the Foundation of the Muslim Brotherhood in 1945

3.1.1 The Palestinian Issue

3.1.2 Establishment of the Islamic Action Front (IAF)

3.1.2.1 Islamic Action Front – Representation in Parliament

3.1.2.2 The Party’s Objectives

3.1.2.3 Methodology and Organizational Structure

3.1.2.4 The Relevance of the Islamic Center Charity Society (ICCS) in Jordan

3.1.2.5 Internal Rivalries of the IAF

3.1.2.6 Women and Women’s Issues in the IAF

3.1.2.7 Democracy as a Tool to Gain Power?

3.2 Evolution of the Brotherhoods Discourse - From Alliance with the Government to Crisis

3.2.1 The Change in the 90s and the New King Abdullah II

3.2.2 The Palestinian Issue and Hamas

3.3 Protest Movement in Jordan and the Arab Spring

3.3.1 The Role of the Middle Class in Arab Spring

3.4 The Islamists Influence on Political Reforms

3.5 Relationship between State and Islamists nowadays

4 Conclusion and Outlook

Objectives and Topics

This project examines the influences of Islamic powers on democracy in Jordan. It addresses the central research question whether the Islamist movement in Jordan acts as a threat or an obstacle to democratization, or if it instead promotes democratic development within the state. The study analyzes the historical context, the political system of Jordan, and the role of the Muslim Brotherhood and its political wing, the IAF.

• The (un)democratic structures of the Jordanian state and society.
• The historical relationship between the Hashemite regime and the Muslim Brotherhood.
• The impact of the Islamic Action Front (IAF) on political reforms and parliament.
• The role of Islamic movements during the Arab Spring and their influence on the middle class.
• The evolving discourse of the Brotherhood regarding democracy and national identity.

Excerpt from the Book

Summary of Chapters

1 Introduction: This chapter provides an overview of the democratization status in Jordan and sets the research focus on the influence of Islamic movements.

2 The Jordanian State and Government and its (Non-) Democratic Structures: This section explores the historical and political development of Jordan, highlighting its authoritarian features and the role of the monarch.

3 The Islamist Movement in Jordan: This comprehensive chapter details the history, organizational structure, and internal dynamics of the Muslim Brotherhood and the Islamic Action Front (IAF).

4 Conclusion and Outlook: The final chapter synthesizes the findings, concluding that while the Islamists are integrated, their impact on democratic reform remains limited and their trajectory continues to be a challenge for the region.

Keywords

Jordan, Democracy, Democratization, Muslim Brotherhood, Islamic Action Front, IAF, Hashemite Regime, Arab Spring, Middle Class, Political Reform, Islamist Movement, Shura, Parliamentary Elections, Authoritarianism, Civil Society

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the core focus of this research?

The research examines the political influence of Islamic movements, specifically the Muslim Brotherhood and the Islamic Action Front (IAF), on the process of democratization in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

What are the primary thematic pillars of the study?

The work covers the political system of Jordan, the evolution of the Brotherhood's discourse, the impact of the Palestinian issue, the role of women in the IAF, and the movement's actions during the Arab Spring.

What is the main hypothesis of this graduation project?

The author hypothesizes that the Islamist movement in Jordan, despite various challenges and controversies, actually promotes democratization.

Which scientific methods were applied?

The project employs an analytical approach, reviewing existing political literature, electoral data, and parliamentary records to evaluate the relationship between the state and Islamic political actors.

What topics are discussed in the main body?

The main body investigates the history of the Muslim Brotherhood since 1945, the establishment and performance of the IAF, the impact of internal rivalries, and the state's strategies for managing political dissent.

Which keywords characterize this publication?

Key terms include Jordan, democracy, Islamist movement, Muslim Brotherhood, IAF, Arab Spring, and political reform.

How does the Palestinian issue influence the political standing of the IAF?

The Palestinian issue is central to the IAF's identity; it allows the movement to integrate Palestinian interests within the Jordanian political landscape, though this often creates tension with the government's foreign policy.

What role does the Islamic Center Charity Society (ICCS) play?

The ICCS serves as the charitable arm of the Muslim Brotherhood, enabling the movement to maintain strong grassroots support and social influence despite its limited power in formal parliament.