Jordan: Politics in an Accidental Crucible
As a small state weaker by nearly every conventional measure than most of its neighbours, Jordan faces significant resource constraints and is deeply affected by regional crises. Despite these challenges, the constructed kingdom — with its fragmented society and enduring monarchy — has repeatedly defied expectations of instability.
In his latest volume, Jordan: Politics in an Accidental Crucible, Dr Sean Yom combines theoretical work from political science with first-hand knowledge of Jordan garnered over decades of personal study. The book offers a broad examination of the kingdom’s development over the last 100 years, exploring how it has navigated shifting internal dynamics, episodes of authoritarian reform, economic liberalisation, and enduring regional geopolitical pressures. It presents Jordan as an illustrative case for understanding the entire Middle East, including the complex interplay of regime durability, governance adaptation, and the effects of Western hegemony.
This book talk, hosted by MEI, will be held via Zoom from 10:00 am to 11:00 am (SGT) on Tuesday, 9 September 2025. Attendance is free, but registration is required.
Register at: https://mei.nus.edu.sg/event/book-talk-jordan-politics-in-an-accidental-crucible/
Japan and the Middle East
The book provides a comprehensive analysis of the emergence, political economy, and foreign relations of Japan’s interactions with the Middle East, with an emphasis on its relations with the states in the Gulf region.
It offers both country-specific case studies and thematic chapters, providing a comprehensive study of Japan’s relations with the Gulf and the broader Middle East. Japan enjoys a strategic partnership with the Arab Gulf countries in terms of energy trade, which has since expanded into a broader trading relationship with the wider Middle East. The book examines Japan’s relations with Israel, Egypt, and Turkey, covering security, the oil sector, and the LNG sector in the Middle East. This depth of analysis allows the book to go beyond its rich analytical and empirical content.
This event will be conducted both in person and online from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM (SGT) on Wednesday, 17 September 2025. Attendance is free; however, registration is mandatory.
Register at: https://mei.nus.edu.sg/event/book-talk-japan-and-the-middle-east/