The Naumann School of Politics

A New Chapter for Liberal Leadership in Jordan

From 23 to 25 October, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF), in partnership with the Etihad Party, launched the first instalment of the Naumann School of Politics at the Dead Sea.

This initiative marks a turning point in Jordan’s political landscape, laying the foundation for the establishment of the first liberal youth wing within a political party in the country’s history. It represents a structured and forward-looking effort to bring liberal values into Jordanian political life through organised, youth-driven engagement.

A New Chapter for Liberal Leadership in Jordan

The program brought together 30 participants—young Jordanians who had previously taken part in FNF’s Free Youth Courses and had already demonstrated a strong commitment to freedom and democratic participation. Building on that foundation, the Naumann School of Politics offered a space for critical reflection, learning, and dialogue about how liberal ideas can evolve within Jordan’s unique context.

Participants explored how liberal principles can move beyond theory into action—how they can inform political practice, policymaking, and civic responsibility. The school aimed not only to provide intellectual grounding but also to cultivate the mindset and discipline needed to contribute constructively to the country’s reform process.

Understanding Liberalism Through a Jordanian Lens

The first sessions, led by Khalil Abu-Nijmeh, Jordan Project Coordinator at FNF, and Amro Al Nawayseh, Executive Director of Hayat Center – RASED, opened with a fundamental question: What does liberalism mean in Jordan today? Participants examined how ideologies such as liberalism, egalitarianism, nationalism, and conservatism shape political thought, and how they intersect within the Jordanian system.

Through guided discussions, participants compared values and policies, gaining a clearer view of how liberal principles can fit within the country’s legislative and social framework. This approach encouraged them to see liberalism not as an imported philosophy, but as a way of thinking that can take root in Jordan’s own experience and aspirations.

The Rise of Jordanized Liberalism

A central theme of the training was “Jordanized liberalism”—a concept first introduced through FNF’s Naumann Youth Research Initiative (NYRI). It reflects the ongoing effort to adapt universal liberal values to Jordan’s social, cultural, and institutional realities. Participants discussed how freedom, responsibility, and the rule of law can be expressed in ways that resonate with local realities and reflect a balance between individual liberty and collective progress.

This evolving idea has begun to shape a new phase of liberal dialogue in Jordan, one that is pragmatic, inclusive, and grounded in national identity. It also reflects the growing maturity of liberal thought in the country, where young people are increasingly seeking ways to reconcile reform with tradition.

From Ideals to Implementation

The structure of the program reflected this balance between philosophical understanding and practical application. The first day focused on the origins of liberalism and its ideological development. The second day, facilitated by Amro Al Nawayseh, examined institutional liberalism, limited government, and pathways to reform within the Jordanian system.

The final day featured H.E. Dr. Yusuf Mansour, former Minister of Finance, who delivered an advanced session on the social market economy and its potential to strengthen productivity, equity, and long-term sustainability. His perspective linked economic freedom with social responsibility—two principles at the heart of the liberal tradition.

A Step Toward Political Renewal

The first week of the Naumann School of Politics concluded with a clear sense of direction and unity among participants who aim to establish Jordan’s first institutionalised liberal youth movement. The program laid the groundwork for sustained engagement in political life and encouraged participants to approach reform through a liberal and values-based perspective.

This initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to freedom, responsibility, and the rule of law, and contributes to the broader goal of strengthening democratic culture in Jordan. It marks the rise of a generation prepared to participate in political life with knowledge, purpose, and a shared belief in the principles of liberal democracy.