Exploring the Impact of the Israel-Syria Conflict on the Humanitarian Crisis in Jordan (2011–2023)

Abstract

This study explores the multifaceted impacts of the Israel Syria conflict and the Syrian Civil War (2011-2023) on Jordan, assessing the deep humanitarian crises, economic pressure and social dislocation driven by these crises. Jordan currently has the second largest number of Syrian refugees in relation to its population, standing at over 1.3 million. Adopting a classical and neo-realist neoclassic approach, this study explains how Jordan is able to navigate and maintain a double standard of meeting humanitarian needs and preserving the state within a complex international setting. It shows the interplay of systemic forces of regions and their changing short-term policies, Jordan’s foreign policy objectives in seeking to navigate as a mediator and a buffering country. The article further seeks to understand the different strategies employed by Jordan in regards to refugee management, alleviating economic burdens and international pressures. The findings of the study demonstrate that Jordan's strategic engineering has enabled the country to absorb humanitarian tensions and regional conflicts without losing political stability or security, thereby making the kingdom highly pertinent as a case study for other countries. The recommendations put forth in this study are primarily focused on the development of policy solutions for proactive behaviour of other countries in similar situations.