"Though a small state, Jordan has frequently found itself at the centre of conflict and crisis in the modern Middle East. It has been a central protagonist in the wars of the region, notably the 1948 and 1967 Arab-Israeli wars, and has also been at the forefront of peace-making, signing a separate peace with Israel in 1994. Philip Robins' survey of Jordan's political history begins in the early 1920s, continues through the years of the British mandate, and traces events over the next half century to the present day. Throughout the latter period the country's fortunes were closely identified with its head of state, King Hussein, until his death in 1999. In the early days, as the author testifies, his prospects were often regarded as grim. However, both King and country survived a variety of existential challenges, from assassination attempts and internal subversion to a civil war with the Palestine Liberation Organisation. In the 1970s and 1980s the country emerged as an apparently stable and prosperous state. However, King Hussein's death, the succession of his son, Abdullah II, and the recent upheavals in the region have plunged the country back into uncertainty. This is an incisive account, compellingly told, about one of the most important countries in the Middle East."--BOOK JACKET.

On the edge of empire -- Founding state and regime -- The long road to independence -- Loss of innocence -- The roaring fifties -- The road to disaster -- Illusions of progress -- Hussein's choices -- Abdullah's first steps.