Tahqiqāt-e Târix-e Eqtesâdi (Economic History Studies of Iran)

Economic Instruments in the Service of Political Strategy: An Analysis of Asymmetric Relations between Iran and Jordan during the Pahlavi II Era (1946–1979)

Articles in Press

Document Type : .

Authors

Amir Hossein Davoodvandi 1
masoud bayat 2

1 , Department of History, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

2 Associate Professor, Department of History and Islamic Civilization, Faculty of Humanities, University of Zanjan, Zanjan, Iran

10.30465/ehs.2026.54141.2086
Abstract
International relations are shaped by disparities in states’ economic, political, and military capabilities. During the Pahlavi II era, Iran, with substantial economic and military resources, held a stronger position in its relations with Jordan. Conversely, Jordan, due to limited domestic resources and reliance on external aid, functioned as the weaker actor. This study analyzes Iran’s economic instruments in influencing Jordan’s policies and behavior, and how Jordan benefited from this asymmetric relationship. The core question explores how Iran employed economic tools for its political and security objectives and how Jordan leveraged the relationship’s asymmetric structure. Adopting a descriptive–analytical approach, the research utilizes library and archival sources, analyzing data within the framework of asymmetric relations theory. Findings reveal that Iran, through development loans, grants, and infrastructure projects, guided certain Jordanian policies to align with its strategic interests, especially during crises. Simultaneously, Jordan used this support to bolster its domestic capacities and enhance political and economic stability. The study demonstrates economic resources as a strategic instrument for Iran, while also revealing Jordan’s relative agency within an asymmetric relationship.

Keywords

Iran–Jordan Relations
Pahlavi II Era
Asymmetric Relations
Economic Instruments
Foreign Policy
Subjects
Tahqiqāt-e Târix-e Eqtesâdi (Economic History Studies of Iran)

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 17 June 2026

  • Receive Date 01 February 2026
  • Revise Date 10 May 2026
  • Accept Date 17 June 2026

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