Fall 2009

MES 325 • ISRAEL-JORDAN RELATIONS: THE FRIENDLY FOES

Course Description

This course deals with the crystallization and development of relations between the Zionist movement (later, the State of Israel) and the Emirate of Transjordan (later the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan). It focuses on the mutual and particular interests of the parties to maintain political (albeit mainly discreet) ties that culminated in the peace accord of 1994. The course endeavors to explore how and why Jordan remained the Arab state less hostile to Israel throughout most of the 20th century.

Grading Policy

Class Participation 15% Mid-term Exam 25% Final Paper 35% Final Exam 25%

Texts

Yoav Gelber, Jewish-Transjordanian Relations 1921-1948; Maan Abu Nowar, The Jordanian-Israeli War 1948-1951; Joseph Nevo, King Hussein and the Evolution of Jordan's Perception of a Political Settlement with Israel, 1967-1988; Mutayyam al O'ran, Jordanian-Israeli Relations: The Peacebuilding Experience; A 10-12 pages final paper (topics to be selected from a list that would be given on the first seminar meeting, 26 August), to be submitted on the last day of classes December 4.

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