• “Where to Throw the Hook? Chinese Strategic Partnership Selection and Its Effectiveness in Achieving Influence”

Abstract
This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of an original dataset of over 100 Chinese strategic partnerships. It investigates whether these partnerships serve as tools for China to extend its global influence. The research hinges on the hypothesis that China selectively forms partnerships with countries that are more susceptible to influence, particularly those with lower levels of foreign external intervention and political stability, and a need for arms sales. The findings support the proposed hypotheses. Following this, the paper examines the legitimacy of China’s goal to achieve influence and evaluates the actual influence effects. Utilizing panel data analysis with a random effects model, the study finds a statistically significant correlation between the presence of strategic partnerships and increased military dependency on China, heightened cultural influence through the expansion of Confucius Institutes, and increased economic influence at the highest level of strategic partnership.

• “Navigating Great Power Competition: Jordan’s Response to US-China 5G Rivalry”

Abstract
In an era of escalating US-China technological rivalry, Jordan’s decision to exclude Huawei’s 5G from its telecommunications networks stands as a significant case study of how small states navigate great power competition. Despite having received 2G, 3G, 3.75G, and 4G infrastructure services from Huawei, and not perceiving Huawei’s 5G as a security threat as the US does, Jordan is the only Arab country to make this decision. Through qualitative research methods, including in-depth interviews and analyzing news reports, this study finds that Jordan’s decision reflects a strategy to balance between the competing pressures from the US and China and to hedge in the face of this competition. By excluding Huawei’s 5G, Jordan aims to satisfy US demands, driven by significant foreign aid, while simultaneously seeking closer economic relations with China, on which it has trade dependence, through signing the Belt and Road initiative

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• “How to Politely Say No: Jordan’s Foreign Policy Towards US-Chinese Competition”

Abstract
This paper explores how small states like Jordan, heavily reliant on U.S. support, navigate their relationships with China amid the U.S.-China rivalry. Traditional theories such as balancing, bandwagoning, and hedging often fail to account for the foreign policy decisions made by aid-dependent states that publicly maintain neutrality. To address this gap, this paper introduces “indirect bandwagoning” (IB)—a concept describing how small states align with a hegemon’s interests by indirectly and discreetly limiting the influence of a rising power without openly challenging it. This strategy becomes particularly relevant when a state is heavily dependent on the hegemon, faces pressure from that hegemon, but does not see the rising power as a direct threat. The research uses a qualitative case study approach, with original data collected through semi-structured interviews with decision-makers in Jordan. The study also relies on secondary data from reports, government documents, and public statements related to Jordan’s foreign policy. The analysis focuses on two case studies: the Al Attarat Oil Shale Project and the regulation of Chinese electric vehicles. The findings show that Jordan used IB in both cases to navigate the great power competition by aligning with U.S. interests while maintaining an image of neutrality.