The Arab Spring and the Mediterranean Basin: A Case Study of Jordan

The theme of this paper is the effect of the Arab Spring upon countries surrounding the Mediterranean, with a special reference to Jordan. The Mediterranean basin has witnessed protests and revolution over the last five years. The southern shores of Europe have felt repercussions of the Arab Spring following the fall of military rulers and dictators and attempts to hold parliamentary elections and to encourage democracy. The resulting chaos, lack of stability and agreement in post revolutionary countries has led to serious consequences for the region. My PhD research is focused upon Jordan and the evolution of its national identity since the disengagement of 1988. The Arab Spring has raised serious issues of national identity in those countries affected. National identity debates within Jordan may be viewed as a microcosm of larger debates taking place in the Mediterranean countries. Socio-economic disruptions have had a serious impact upon Greece, leading to serious debates about its future.