The Political Concept of Energy Security: The Case of Jordan

Abstract

This study aims to determine the political concept of energy security in Jordan. This paper studies the importance of energy security in international relations. It clarifies the global concept of energy security. It also highlights the politics of energy security among states. The paper is based on Jordan as a case study. To put emphasis on this issue, the data have been collected using semi-structured interviews with elite as well as journals and documents, and have been analyzed through qualitative content analysis. The paper shows that the concept of energy security in Jordan is based on two main elements: sufficient energy supply and affordable energy price. It also shows the importance of securing gas for foreign policymakers after the collapse of Mubarak regime in Egypt in 2011. The paper concludes that energy security became a major objective for Jordan’s foreign policy, particularly after 2007.