Legitimacy in Words and in Actions: The Jordanian Regime's Maintenance of Stability Amid Arab Spring Protests

By: Sarah Huckins '14

Advising Faculty: Caroleen M. Sayej

This independent study paper analyzes the legitimating strategies King Abdullah II has employed in order to maintain the stability of his regime in the context of the Arab Spring. This paper argues that the stability of King Abdullah’s rule rests upon two pillars of legitimacy, those of reform and rhetoric. The implementation of reforms as a response to political opposition in combination with his discursive framing of these changes promotes the longevity of King Abdullah’s regime.

Related Fields: Government, International Relations