ABSTRACT
Relations between Jordan and Saudi Arabia originated in a deep-rooted conflict between two ruling Arab houses. The two dynasties, whose countries bear their respective family names, are the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia has been the senior partner both economically and politically. Its attitude toward Jordan has been dictated by regional aspects: a quest for consensus, drive to pacify the inter-Arab system and its conflict-defusing and threat-prevention policy. Jordan, in its relations with Saudi Arabia, has sought specific Saudi components, primarily political and financial backing. The factors that have shaped these relations include constant elements the nature of both regimes and both societies, the asymmetrical ties and some changing ones the inter-Arab System, the role of Egypt and the Arab-Israeli conflict. Nevertheless, the nature of Jordan's ties with Saudi Arabia made it more considerate of the latter's views, even at the expense of sometimes reversing its own original intentions regarding Israel or PLO.
