Policy of Sustainable Development in Jordan and Its Impact on International Relations

ABSTRACT


INTRODUCTION
Modern sustainable development policy is complex and interconnected with various spheres and vectors of public life, such as environmental protection, economic stability and growth, and the sphere of social well-being.The essence of modern sustainable development policy is to maintain an optimal balance and support of three key areas -economic, environmental and social.According to the sustainable development paradigm, each of the three areas is equally important, and the development of one should not become an obstacle to the development of the other.The integration of the principles of sustainable development into strategies and longterm policies reflects the fact that national governments clearly understand that modern economic development of the country must occur without harming the environment and while maintaining social well-being and justice.
Modern sustainable development policy is an integrative approach that seeks to balance environmental protection, economic growth, and social equity.International relations profoundly influence these policies, providing frameworks for cooperation, setting global standards, facilitating knowledge and technology transfer, and impacting economic and social dynamics.The success of sustainable development policies, therefore, hinges not only on national efforts but also on the nature and quality of international interactions and cooperation.
We chose Jordan as an object of study for sustainable development and its impact on international relations.This decision was determined by a number of factors.Thus, geopolitically, Jordan is located in a region characterized by frequent national conflicts, given that international and diplomatic activities have a significant impact on the formation of national policies.Jordan's national policy measures in the process of managing the sustainable development of regions on the active influence of the international community provide valuable information about the role and degree of influence of international relations on the formation and effectiveness of the implementation of sustainable development programs.In the environmental context, Jordan has been faced with complex restrictions and natural disturbances for many years.The dominant ones are the insufficient level of drinking water for perching, and the depletion of soil fertility due to climate change.This all leads to a decrease in the level of food security in Jordan.Such challenges require the Government of Jordan to introduce urgent countermeasures and adaptation measures in the form of innovative sustainable development strategies, the formation of which is only possible through an effective combination of national and international efforts.
The main purpose of the article is to improve sustainable development policies through international relations.The object of the study is the system of sustainable development in a particular country.

LITERATURE REVIEW
The nexus between sustainable development policy and international relations is an area of growing importance and complexity, as evidenced by a range of scholarly contributions.This literature review delves into the intersection of these fields, examining how sustainable development is influenced by and impacts international dynamics, with a focus on the challenges and threats emerging in this context.For example, Alazzam et al. [1] explore the environmental safety challenges in the legal profession during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the intricate relationship between environmental issues and global health crises.Their work underscores the need for adaptive policies that can respond to unprecedented environmental and health emergencies in a globalized world.Marhasova et al. [2] contribute to the discussion by modelling the harmony of economic development within the sustainable development framework.Their research emphasizes the importance of regional economic balance as a cornerstone of sustainable development, suggesting that economic policies need to be aligned with environmental and social objectives.Voronov et al. [3] discuss the role of public administration in planning for sustainable development in the digital era.Their focus on total digitalization illustrates the evolving nature of governance in achieving sustainable development goals, particularly in the context of rapid technological advancements.On the other hand, Chichkanov et al. [4] analyze the impact of socioeconomic growth on regional sustainable development.Their study is pivotal in understanding how economic potential influences sustainability at a regional level, offering insights into the economic dimensions of sustainable development policies.
So, Sylkin et al. [5] and Bazyliuk et al. [6] emphasize the role of anti-crisis management and institutional dynamics in ensuring financial security and sustainable development.These studies highlight the significance of robust management practices and institutional frameworks in navigating the complexities of sustainable development.Alazzam et al. [7] present a methodical approach to business management strategy in the context of changing commercial activities.This research is crucial for understanding how business strategies can be aligned with sustainable development principles in a rapidly evolving commercial landscape [8].Al Azzam [9] discusses the adequacy of international cooperation in combating cybercrime, a critical aspect of maintaining a secure and sustainable digital environment.This research underscores the importance of international collaboration in addressing transnational challenges.
Finally, Salamatov et al. [10] and Cuadrado-Ballesteros et al. [11] explore the sociocultural dynamics of sustainable development and the role of public-sector financial management in e-government, respectively.These studies broaden the understanding of sustainable development by incorporating the human and governance dimensions, highlighting the multifaceted nature of sustainability challenges.
Kronivets et al. [12] investigate the legal foundations surrounding the utilization of artificial intelligence in educational processes, which are crucial for advancing sustainable development goals (SDGs).Their research, published in "Relocoes Internacionais no Mundo Atual," suggests that legal frameworks must evolve to incorporate AI effectively in educational systems, a necessity for fostering global competence in sustainability.Similarly, Tubishat [13] delves into the role of digital technologies and e-commerce laws in promoting environmental sustainability.Focusing on the eco-business sector in Jordan, Tubishat [13] argues that digital tools can drive eco-friendly business practices and that legal structures must adapt to support such innovations.The findings underscore the importance of integrating technology and law to achieve economic and environmental goals simultaneously.
Alazzam and Alshunnaq [14] provide a different angle by examining how the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced the formation of creative legal thinking.Their study in "Creativity Studies" reveals that the pandemic has necessitated new legal approaches to address unprecedented challenges, including those related to sustainable development and public health.They advocate for educational reforms to better prepare lawyers for these dynamic challenges.In the realm of human rights, Popovych et al. [15] discuss the implications of extraordinary legal regimes and their restrictions on human rights.Their research in "Social and Legal Studios" points out that while such regimes are often justified as necessary for national or global crises, they must be balanced carefully with the need to maintain human rights-a core component of sustainable governance.Lastly, Shtangret et al. [16] explore the concept of anticipative management in ensuring the economic security of enterprises.They argue that forwardthinking management practices can help businesses adapt to and mitigate the risks associated with environmental and economic uncertainties.Their findings, published in "Business: Theory and Practice," suggest that proactive management is essential for sustainable business operations in the face of global changes.
However, there are a number of gaps in the literature according to the issues of the article (Figure 1).In summary, this literature review underscores the diverse and interconnected challenges and threats faced in the pursuit of sustainable development, emphasizing the critical role of international relations in shaping and responding to these issues.The reviewed works collectively highlight the need for integrated approaches that encompass environmental, economic, social, technological, and governance aspects to achieve sustainable development goals in an increasingly interconnected world.The scientific task is to build a modern methodological approach to assessing various types of challenges and threats.

METHODOLOGY
To achieve our goals, we used the method of expert and systematic analysis.However, we used paired comparison and hierarchical analysis methods to rank the challenges and threats of sustainable development policies in Jordan.
The method of expert analysis is a method of qualitative research, in which experts are surveyed on the subject of the research topic.In our case, a series of surveys were conducted with experts in the field of sustainable development Jordnai and experts in the field of international relations in the Middle East.The survey was conducted using the method of understanding current and most important problems in organizing sustainable development policies.This method has a number of advantages.The key one is that this method allows you to obtain expert judgments regarding the problem under study, which will expand the understanding of sustainable development policy and the problems that arise during its implementation.At the same time, the method has the disadvantage of possible subjectivity of expert opinion.To level out this shortcoming, an analysis and systematization of the opinions of a number of experts is carried out.
Systematic analysis complements expert analysis by providing a structured approach to examining the various factors influencing sustainable development policy.It involves a thorough and methodical evaluation of all relevant aspects, including environmental, economic, social, and political factors.Systematic analysis helps in identifying underlying patterns, relationships, and dependencies among these factors.This method ensures that the study covers a broad spectrum of influences, providing a holistic view of the challenges and threats to sustainable development.Pairwise comparison, a key component of the study, is a technique used to compare and prioritize a set of items by evaluating them two at a time.In our research, this method was applied to assess the relative importance of the various challenges and threats identified through expert and systematic analysis.Each pair of factors was compared, and decisions were made regarding which of the two was more significant in the context of Jordan's sustainable development policy.This method is highly effective in simplifying complex decision-making processes, especially when dealing with a large number of factors, as it breaks down the evaluation into manageable comparisons.Hierarchical analysis, or the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), was then employed to order the challenges and threats from the most to the least important.AHP is a structured technique for organizing and analyzing complex decisions, based on mathematics and psychology.It involves building a hierarchy of decision elements, which in this case consisted of the various challenges and threats.The results from the pairwise comparisons were then used to assign weights to these elements, indicating their relative importance.The hierarchical structure of AHP allows for a clear and logical grouping of the factors, facilitating a comprehensive and systematic evaluation (Figure 2).
Together, these methods provided a robust framework for our study.Expert and systematic analysis ensured a deep and broad understanding of the subject matter, while pairwise comparison and hierarchical analysis offered a clear and quantifiable means of prioritizing the challenges and threats.This combination of methods is particularly effective in addressing the multifaceted nature of sustainable development and its intersection with international relations, as it allows for a nuanced and detailed exploration of the topic.To address ethical concerns related to bias in data collection and analysis, the methodology emphasized the use of systematic analysis techniques.The employment of methods like pairwise comparison and hierarchical analysis helped mitigate subjective biases by providing a structured framework for evaluating data.Ensuring the neutrality and objectivity of the researchers was also critical in conducting interviews and surveys.

RESULTS OF RESEARCH
The impact of international relations on sustainable development is significant, as it facilitates collaboration and consensus-building among nations to address global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and socioeconomic disparities.
International relations play a critical role in mobilizing resources, sharing knowledge, and transferring technology between developed and developing countries.This cooperation is vital for building the capacities needed to pursue sustainable development pathways.For instance, international financial institutions and development agencies provide funding and technical assistance for sustainable projects, while international treaties and conventions set standards and targets for the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources.Through these mechanisms, international relations foster a global governance framework that encourages nations to adopt more sustainable practices, thus advancing the collective pursuit of a sustainable future for all.
We identified five main challenges and five main threats that can significantly impact the policy of sustainable development.These were chosen after a thorough expert analysis, which involved soliciting insights from a diverse group of professionals and academics with expertise in sustainable development, international relations, and related fields.The experts were asked to evaluate various factors based on their knowledge and experience, considering both current trends and potential future scenarios.They were encouraged to provide detailed explanations for their choices, ensuring that our selection was grounded in comprehensive and nuanced understanding.Here are the main challenges: A1. Economic Inequality.Economic disparity within and between nations poses a significant challenge to sustainable development.It can lead to resource depletion, environmental These challenges and threats were selected through a rigorous process of expert analysis, which involved detailed questionnaires, interviews, and roundtable discussions.Experts were asked to consider the relevance, impact, and urgency of various factors in the context of sustainable development and international relations.Their responses were then analyzed to determine the most pressing issues.This comprehensive approach ensured that our findings were not only based on empirical data but also enriched with the practical insights and foresight of those deeply entrenched in the field.
The values in the matrix represent the relative importance of one factor over another as assessed by the experts.A value greater than 1 indicates that the row factor is more important than the column factor, while a value less than 1 indicates the opposite.
Let's build an iterative comparison table for A and B (Table 1).
The iterative normalization table is in Table 2. To understand how the challenges to sustainable development (A1-A5) connect to the main threats (B1-B5), we can examine the interactions and impacts that these factors have on each other (Figure 3).

Figure 3. Connections between A and B
Economic disparity within and between nations can fuel discontent, social unrest, and even conflict.Inequalities can lead to competition over resources, exacerbating tensions between communities or nations, which can escalate into international conflicts.Additionally, economic inequality can undermine the social cohesion necessary for cooperative international security efforts (A1-B2).
The degradation of natural environments and the impacts of climate change can significantly affect human health, leading to the emergence and spread of pandemics.Climate changes can alter the distribution of disease vectors like mosquitoes, increasing the risk of diseases such as malaria and dengue fever.Environmental degradation can also compromise air and water quality, contributing to respiratory and waterborne diseases (A2-B1).These connections illustrate the complex interplay between challenges to sustainable development and the broader threats they pose.Addressing these issues requires integrated, multisectoral approaches that consider the cascading effects of these interactions on global stability and sustainability.
Technological advancements can lead to increased efficiency in the use of resources but can also exacerbate the digital divide, affecting equitable access to these technologies.This divide can impact how effectively countries can manage and compete for scarce resources, with technologically advanced nations having an advantage in exploiting and conserving resources, potentially leading to tensions and competition (A3-B3).
The Consistency Index (CI) is calculated using the Eq. ( 1): where, λmax is the maximum eigenvalue of the matrix and n is the number of factors (in this case, 5).The Consistency Ratio (CR) is then calculated using the Eq. ( 2): where, RI (Random Index) is a value that depends on the number of factors.For n=5, RI is typically around 1.12.Consistency Ratio is presented in Table 3.Based on the priority vector, the most significant challenge identified is "Rapid Technological Change and Digital Divide," with the highest relative weight of 0.4103.This indicates that, according to the experts' evaluations, addressing the challenges associated with rapid technological advancements and the resulting digital divide is crucial for improving the effectiveness of sustainable development policy.This challenge is significant because technological advancements while driving economic growth and innovation, can also lead to increased inequality and create barriers for certain populations.Effectively managing this challenge involves ensuring equitable access to technology, adapting policies to the fast-paced technological changes, and mitigating the risks associated with digitalization.By focusing on these aspects, sustainable development policies can be more effectively tailored to meet the needs of a rapidly evolving global landscape.

Figure 4. The main model of the priority threats that impact sustainable development in Jordan
Based on the priority vector, the most significant threat identified is the "Impact of Non-State Actors and Multinational Corporations," with the highest weight of 0.4321.This finding underscores the substantial influence that non-state actors, including multinational corporations, have on sustainable development policies.Their activities can have far-reaching consequences on environmental standards, labour practices, and economic stability, which may sometimes conflict with the sustainable development goals of a nation or region.Addressing this threat is essential for ensuring that the actions of these powerful entities align with sustainable development objectives.This could involve implementing stricter regulatory frameworks, encouraging corporate social responsibility, and fostering partnerships that promote sustainable practices.By effectively managing the influence of non-state actors, sustainable development policies can be more robust, equitable, and effective in achieving their goals.

DISCUSSIONS
In this chapter, we engage in a critical discussion of our study's results in the context of existing literature, particularly focusing on the innovative methods we applied to analyze sustainable development policy and its impact on international relations.Our approach, incorporating system analysis, pairwise comparison, and hierarchical analysis, is juxtaposed against various methodologies and findings from recent literature to underscore its relevance and distinctiveness.For example, Rajaonah [17] explores the trust aspect in sustainable development system security, especially in the realm of critical infrastructure protection.This perspective aligns with our findings in highlighting the importance of trust and security, particularly in the digitalization era, as pivotal elements in sustainable development.Our study extends this by quantitatively assessing these aspects using pairwise comparison and hierarchical analysis, thereby offering a more structured approach to evaluating such intangible yet critical factors.Alazzam et al. [18] discuss the formation of an innovative model for e-commerce development, stressing the role of economic security in business.This aligns with our findings on the economic challenges in sustainable development.Our approach differs in its systematic evaluation of challenges across various domains, providing a comprehensive view of how e-commerce and digital economies can be integrated into sustainable development policies.Kopytko and Sylkin [19] emphasize the impact of institutions on achieving sustainable development goals, particularly in Eastern partnership countries.This institutional focus resonates with our study's emphasis on systemic factors influencing sustainable development.We expand upon this by using hierarchical analysis to prioritize these systemic challenges, offering a nuanced understanding of institutional roles.
And the other hand, Borutska et al. [20] both utilize modeling techniques for planning and managing sustainable development.Our study complements these approaches by providing a methodological framework that not only models but also prioritizes various factors affecting sustainable development, thus contributing to more effective planning and management strategies.Boggia and Cortina [21] measure sustainable development using a multi-criteria model, similar to our use of pairwise comparison and hierarchical analysis.While their focus is on environmental management, our study broadens the scope to include international relations, offering a more comprehensive framework for assessing sustainable development policies.Sylkin et al. [22] explore the impact of international tourism on regional sustainable development, which is particularly relevant to our study's focus on international relations.Our methodological approach enhances the effectiveness of such assessments by systematically prioritizing the challenges and threats that tourism and other international factors pose to sustainable development.Alazzam et al. [23] develop an information model for e-commerce platforms, highlighting the challenges in the context of global digitalization and legal compliance.Our study's systematic approach to evaluating challenges complements this by providing a hierarchical perspective, which is crucial in the rapidly evolving digital landscape [20][21][22][23][24].
Lastly, Sylkin et al. [25] assess the financial security of engineering enterprises, emphasizing the importance of anticrisis management.This perspective is pertinent to our study as it underscores the economic dimension of sustainable development.Our methodology contributes to this discourse by offering a structured way to analyze and prioritize financial and economic challenges within the broader context of sustainable development.
Kuznyetsova et al. [26] focus on the economic security challenges posed by the COVID-19 crisis, employing a qualitative assessment to identify impacts on economic structures.Similar to our approach, their study recognizes the importance of systemic threats; however, it is primarily crisisoriented and lacks the broader application of sustainable development metrics seen in our study.While both studies assess threats to stability, our research extends beyond immediate crises to encompass long-term sustainability challenges.Gharaibeh [27] explores criminal legal protection in Jordan, emphasizing the implementation features necessary for economic-law safety.This research highlights the importance of legal frameworks in safeguarding economic activities, aligning with our study's focus on systemic analysis.However, Gharaibeh's [27] study is more specialized in criminal law's role within economic contexts, whereas our work proposes a broader methodological framework that includes various legal and systemic factors affecting sustainable development.
Shakhatreh [28] examines how external environmental factors influence sustainable commercial development in Jordan, particularly through legal aspects.This parallels our emphasis on systemic challenges but is tailored to the commercial sector's specific conditions.Both studies appreciate the role of legal frameworks in fostering sustainability but from different operational perspectives-Shakhatreh's [28] from a commercial viewpoint and ours from a national policy angle.Alazzam [29] discusses improving trade practices in Jordan within international commercial law, which complements our study's international relations angle.Alazzam [29] focuses on trade improvements through legal adaptations underscores the relevance of legal frameworks in international sustainability efforts, akin to our identification of legal structures as pivotal in managing sustainable development challenges.Lastly, Kryshtanovych et al. [30] address the development of public management strategies for financial and economic security.Their study employs a management-focused approach to security, similar to our use of anticipative management strategies in assessing threats to sustainability.Both studies recognize the need for proactive management in adapting to changing conditions, emphasizing the importance of forward-looking policies in ensuring longterm sustainability.
In summary, our study's application of system analysis, pairwise comparison, and hierarchical analysis offers a novel and comprehensive approach to evaluating sustainable development policies and their impact on international relations.By comparing our results with existing literature, we demonstrate the robustness and innovativeness of our methodology, contributing significantly to the field of sustainable development and international relations research.

CONCLUSIONS
The research presented in this article aimed to enhance sustainable development policies through the lens of international relations, focusing on a specific country's sustainable development system.Our scientific endeavour was to construct a contemporary methodological approach for assessing various types of challenges and threats.This was achieved by employing system analysis, pairwise comparison, and hierarchical analysis techniques.The culmination of these methods enabled us to identify the most critical challenges and threats that hinder the effectiveness of sustainable development policies and international relations in the selected country.Our findings are innovative, as demonstrated by the matrices of significant challenges and threats developed through this study.These matrices not only provide a clear and structured representation of the issues at hand but also offer a novel approach to understanding and addressing the complexities of sustainable development in the context of international relations.The use of system analysis allowed us to comprehensively understand the interconnected components of sustainable development, while pairwise comparison and hierarchical analysis facilitated the prioritization of the challenges and threats based on their impact and urgency.It is important to note, however, that our study has its limitations.The focus on a single country's sustainable development system means that the findings are specific to that country's unique context and may not be directly applicable or generalizable to other nations.This specificity, while providing in-depth insights into the country's sustainable development challenges and threats, restricts the broader applicability of our conclusions.
Looking ahead, there are ample opportunities for further research.Future studies should aim to expand the scope of analysis beyond just international relations to include other factors that influence sustainable development.This could involve examining economic, social, environmental, technological, and political dimensions more comprehensively.Such an expanded approach would not only enhance the understanding of sustainable development challenges and threats in different contexts but also contribute to the development of more robust and universally applicable sustainable development policies.
In conclusion, this article contributes significantly to the discourse on sustainable development and international relations by introducing a unique methodological framework.The insights gained from this study underscore the complex interplay between sustainable development policies and international relations, highlighting the need for integrated and innovative approaches to tackle the challenges and threats in this field.As the world continues to grapple with sustainability issues, the methodologies and findings of this study offer valuable guidance for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners in the realm of sustainable development.Given the findings from our study on sustainable development in Jordan and its implications for international relations, practical recommendations and areas for future research emerge distinctly.To practically enhance sustainable development policies, policymakers in Jordan and similar nations should strengthen international collaborations, particularly in technology transfer and financial aid, to address specific challenges like water scarcity and energy dependence.Furthermore, future research should broaden the scope to include comparative analyses across multiple countries to discern universal and unique sustainable development challenges.Such studies should also consider integrating additional factors such as technological advancements, economic diversification strategies, and the socio-political impacts of environmental policies to create a holistic view of sustainable development practices and their effectiveness on a global scale.

Figure 1 .
Figure 1.The main gaps in the literature according to the issues of the article degradation, and social unrest, which can destabilize regions and hinder global cooperation.A2.Climate Change and Environmental Degradation.The ongoing threat of climate change and the degradation of natural environments threaten the sustainability of ecosystems.This challenge has far-reaching impacts on agriculture, water resources, and overall human health and well-being.A3.Rapid Technological Change and Digital Divide.Technological advancements, while beneficial, can create a digital divide and exacerbate inequalities.Rapid changes also pose challenges in terms of adapting policies and ensuring that technological progress contributes positively to sustainable development.A4.Political Instability and Governance Challenges.Political instability, corruption, and ineffective governance can undermine efforts to implement sustainable development policies.These issues can lead to a lack of coordination and cooperation both within and between countries.A5.Population Growth and Urbanization.Rapid population growth and urbanization put immense pressure on resources, infrastructure, and social systems.Managing these effectively while ensuring sustainability is a significant challenge.Now, let's explain the main threats: B1.Global Health Crises.Pandemics and health crises, such as COVID-19, pose a threat to sustainable development by diverting resources, causing economic downturns, and exacerbating inequalities.B2.International Conflict and Security Issues.Conflicts and security challenges can disrupt international cooperation, lead to resource exploitation, and divert attention and resources away from sustainable development goals.B3.Resource Scarcity and Competition.The scarcity of essential resources like water, minerals, and energy sources can lead to competition and conflict, threatening the stability necessary for sustainable development.B4.Economic Protectionism and Trade Wars.Protectionist policies and trade conflicts can disrupt global cooperation and trade, essential components of a sustainable global economy.B5.Impact of Non-State Actors and Multinational Corporations.The influence of non-state actors, including multinational corporations, can sometimes undermine national sustainable development policies due to conflicting interests, particularly in areas related to environmental protection and labour standards.

Table 1 .
Iterative comparison table

Table 3 .
The results of the Consistency Ratio