Two Internal Crises in Syria: 1949–1958 and 2011–2025. A Study of Syrian–Jordanian Political Relations

Abstract

In the years 1920–1921, as a consequence of British and French actions, the Arab territories of the Ottoman Empire were partitioned, leading to the establishment of Syria and Transjordan. Both states attained independence following the Second World War. Between 1949 and 1958, and from 2011 onward, the Syrian Republic experienced profound political crises. In 1954, Syria faced the threat of disintegration; after 2011 it entered a period of political fragmentation and plunged into a protracted civil war. The article presents the most significant events associated with these two periods and offers a comparative analysis of the scope and consequences of these distinct Syrian crises. Furthermore, it also examines the actions of the Jordanian authorities in each case, highlighting how Syria’s destabilization influenced Jordan’s political orientation and decision-making in Amman.