06/03/2022
The last two years, the world is witnessing sequence of crises from pandemics to Russian-Ukrainian war of global destructive socioeconomic, political and security ramifications threatening every aspect of peoples’ daily lives.
While many countries worldwide are engaged with the post-COVID-19 challenges fighting for internal recovery and resilience policies to mitigate the economic and social repercussions of COVID-19, the war in Ukraine further aggravates these challenges. The Russian-Ukraine conflict is not limited to the war vicinity albeit the global political scene. Therefore, this ongoing global instability should drive countries with weak economies like Jordan towards developing specific locally oriented strategy to counter global challenges relevant foremost to issues like food security which warrants enhancing the local agricultural products and methods.
Thus, a crucial aspect of possible economic collapse with sociopolitical consequences is tackled. An aspect gaining further significance given the weak economies of today if not treated will lead to social uprisings especially at a time many are questioning the role of the state. A situation which will surely pave the way for the spread of terrorist and criminal groups. Further, it is imperative to underline that any social disorder amid current developments will threaten the internal security and stability creating the ground for serious security risks including organised terrorists crimes that already reached the Jordanian-Syrian borders.
The recent continuous shifts in global political dynamics impacted most of the countries including Jordan, a country economically reliant on its traditional ideological allies which definitely restricted its options for self-reliance. In addition, the current political dynamics might also reduce the importance of traditionally supported strategic assets. This requires a new way of thinking and a clear vision based on solid understanding of how to deal with the evolving challenges and its economic serious difficulties.
The economic crisis as a result of the health crisis and currently a war with global impacts will create undoubtedly a social, economic, security and political turmoil within many countries. There is no doubt that Jordan needs a better plan for the creation of wealth amongst its population, and this cannot happen without a balanced plan to develop new and existing industries across the country.
Thinking locally at this stage is a must. The focus must be on peoples’ primary needs, containing inflation, guaranteeing food security and boosting small local businesses. This requires a bigger role and involvement of the state in observing, managing and controlling the changing situation. Therefore, the next phase will require a crisis management government with a clear long-term vision and strategy of what is needed and what should be done to contain all these challenges, while simultaneously boosting the national sentiment and morale that will surely help the people to better cope with the expected difficulties.
Dr. Amer Al Sabaileh
06/03/2022
