By : Dr. Monther Howarat
Jordan Daily – In moments of political transition, there are typically two possible paths to change. The first is a popular revolution, which may be either peaceful or violent. Revolutions, while sometimes successful, can also devolve into prolonged civil strife, destroying nations and leaving only ruins in their wake. The second path is more gradual: the ruling elite acknowledges the need for change and initiates dialogue with various societal groups to reach a consensual framework for governance that all can accept. This latter path is what we are witnessing in Jordan today. But will it succeed, or be undermined?
Despite valid concerns about some participants in the process and some of its outcomes, the current effort at political reform in Jordan represents an important first step on the road to modernization. The term “modernization” is deliberately used here instead of “change,” as the latter suggests a radical overhaul of the entire political system. “Modernization,” in contrast, implies building on the country’s existing foundations—most notably the monarchy, which remains a unifying institution for the vast majority of Jordanians and a stabilizing force in the reform process.
So far, the first stage of this modernization has been completed, moving the country toward a gradual embrace of party politics. This shift encourages horizontal thinking, where societal goals are prioritized over vertical, narrow interests. By fostering broad-based coalitions across various social strata, this approach promises to build a national consciousness rooted in shared interests and, ultimately, a common destiny. This kind of civic awareness, drawn from the experiences of other nations, is vital for navigating Jordan through the storms of regional and global upheavals.
The significance of this shift cannot be overstated. The Jordanian people have been promised full political rights, a promise that, if realized, would make them true partners in decision-making and architects of their nation’s future. For the first time, Jordanians stand on the threshold of real political participation, with the possibility of holding their leaders accountable and eventually shaping their government.
However, these gains are not guaranteed. Some forces will undoubtedly attempt to derail the process. This could happen in two ways. First, by casting doubt on the reforms, sowing distrust among the people, and thereby diminishing their engagement. If people lose faith in the process, their indifference could render the reforms meaningless, leading to their failure. Second, by infiltrating the electoral process, certain entrenched interests could work to re-establish their dominance and manipulate the reforms to serve their own ends.
Unfortunately, we are already seeing signs of this, as political figures and ideologies that have failed the country for decades begin to resurface, rebranding themselves as architects of the future. They capitalize on their charisma, long cultivated in official circles, or their ideological appeal from a bygone era to reassert themselves in the current moment.
This raises a fundamental question: can Jordan’s political modernization, despite its flaws, produce a meaningful transformation in the country’s political landscape? While it is tempting to focus on the imperfections of the process, doing so risks underestimating its significance. For the first time, Jordanians are on the verge of gaining a rightful role in the political process—shaping policy, holding leaders accountable, and one day choosing their own government. This is not a step to be taken lightly.
For these reforms to succeed, Jordanians must remain vigilant. They cannot afford to sit at home or treat election day as a holiday. Instead, they must actively participate in the process, ensuring its success and thwarting those who seek to undermine it. Only through active engagement can the people protect the reforms and see them bear fruit.
The alternative is grim. Apathy will signal to those in power that the Jordanian people are content with the status quo, that there is no need for further change or modernization. It will lead to stagnation, a continued economic and social decline, and the loss of Jordan’s identity. Should this happen, the country may find itself facing the other path—the path of revolution,God forbids, with all the dangers and uncertainties that accompany it.
So, let us defend this experiment in political modernization by overwhelming participation. Let us reject those who aim to hijack the process, whether by repackaging themselves in new political garb while retaining outdated, failed ideologies, or by undermining the process from within. The Jordanian people cannot afford to let their future be ridden by the same forces that have failed them in the past. Instead, they must seize this moment, take control of their destiny, and ensure that their voices shape the future of their country.
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the Jordan Daily.
