Presenter: Anja Wehler-Schoeck, Resident Director, Amman Office, German Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES). Prior to joining FES, Wehler-Schoeck's assignments led her to Tunisia, Jordan, and the United States. She is the author of a number of German and English publications on the Middle East and is a regular contributor to various media with her analyses on Jordan, Iraq, political Islam, and security policy.

Abstract: Jordan has so far managed to stay what many call an “oasis of stability” in a region in turmoil. Given the heavy protection of Jordan’s borders, namely with support by the U.S., it is currently unlikely that a major threat from the outside will threaten the Kingdom. The most significant challenge for Jordan’s stability currently comes from within the country, referring to both violent extremism carried out by single actors or cells as well as radicalization of parts of the population on a larger scale. This talk will outline the main challenges Jordan is facing and policy recommendations to address them, including German and American policy.