The Relation between Jordanian Energy Policies and Political Stability in Jordan: (1990-2016)

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the impact of Jordanian energy policies and political stability in Jordan, specifically to answer the following question:“ Is there a relationship between Jordanian energy policies and political stability in Jordan in the period (1990-2016)?, What is the nature of this relationship?”. This study tackled the energy policies in Jordan in terms of its definition, political stability in general, and in Jordan in particular, and its indications, the term energy, its sources in Jordan, and the energy situation in the period (1990-2016) in Jordan based upon the statements of Jordanian officials, geologists, the Archives of the House of Representatives, and the Ministry of Energy. The study also talked about the status of natural gas in the field of Al-Riesha, oil shale, and renewable energy: the sun, wind, biogas, hydropower, thermal energy, nuclear energy, and uranium. The study as well showed the most important countries from which Jordan imports oil, such as Iraq and Saudi Arabia, either by barter, grants, or preferential prices. Furthermore, it dealt with the term political stability, its definition and its indicators. The study that Jordan is an energy
importing country, as it lacks its traditional sources, and that Jordan's energy policies are temporary and fluctuated, and are affected by regional political conditions, Jordan's relationship with neighboring countries, and global oil prices. The study concluded that there is a correlation between energy policies and political stability, but it is fluctuating ; it may be strong or it may be weak. With regard to energy policies and political stability in Jordan, the correlation is weak , specifically in areas like political arrests, imprisonment, or the use of army units. On other hand, there is a strong correlation between energy policies and political
stability, especially riots, strikes, and demonstrations. The study finally concluded that there is no correlation between energy policies and political stability in Jordan in terms of Cabinet reshuffle or parliament change.