The Jordanian-Palestinian Identity Conflict: The Economic Impact on the Political Power

Abstract

National identity is a cornerstone in shaping a nation's social fabric and political and economic stability, providing individuals with a sense of belonging. For decades, the Jordanian national identity has faced many challenges due to regional conflicts and sociocultural and geopolitical transformations. The influx of Palestinian refugees in 1948 and its political, economic, and demographic consequences have contributed to strained relations between both communities – Palestinian and Trans-Jordanian. Despite the Palestinian dominance of the private sector in Jordan, Trans-Jordanians control the governmental sector, military, and major government institutions and organizations. This rivalry has led to ongoing communal tensions, political, and economic instability. In this thesis, I present a narrative of the evolution of Jordanian identity to understand how we got to where we are today. I also examine the economic impact of Palestinians in Jordan and its impact on their political presence by conducting a comparative study of the economic landscape in Jordan in the years 1996 and 2024.