ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to illustrate further the patronizing and semi-authoritarian/semi-liberal relationship between state and society in Jordan (highlighted in the previous chapter) by focusing on those civil society institutions and popular forces most often dealt with and written on within the media and academia. It begins with the historical development of political party life in the Kingdom. Subsequently, the role of professional associations as economic but especially as political interest groups will be explored. Then the role of organizations representing employers and laborers as representatives of Jordanian economic society will be described. Finally, a closer look will be taken to the historical development of Jordan's Islamist movement, especially its main current, The Muslim Brotherhood. The chapter will conclude with a comparison between these four categories of civic institutions and their role vis-à-vis society and state.
