Regional Instability and the Modernization Theory within the Euro- Jordanian Partnership Context

Abstract

This study has examined the relations of the Euro-Arab cooperation and the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership in particular since its inception in 1995. As far as Jordan is concerned, the paper concludes that the key shortcomings and limitations of the EU’s foreign policy towards its southern Mediterranean flank was and remains to reside mainly in the lack of its consistent and balanced cooperation policy especially as far as political dimension of the cooperation is concerned. The study perceives that regional instability as such appears a major determinant factor of Jordan’s economic development and growth. In fact, such external factors seem, to high extent, to influence most of the main components embedded within the nature of the Association Agreement (i.e. accumulation of origins). For example, foreign direct investment and regional economic integration which are conceived as the engine for economic development are becoming profoundly challenged by the continued deteriorated regional instability. Hence, based on the empirical analysis and findings, the study as a result deduced that principles which capitalized on economic development as a prerequisite to political development – with special reference to Modernization theory- fails to explain and to interpret the ultimate objectives of the EU cooperation policy towards Jordan culminated mainly with the Euro-Jordanian Partnership.