The Middle East Series Part 6: The Invention of Transjordan

In the aftermath of World War I, Britain found itself in control of vast Middle Eastern territories, thanks to the collapse of the Ottoman Empire. But direct rule was expensive and politically messy. Their solution? Create new borders, hand out kingdoms, and hope for the best. Enter Transjordan—a land of desert, scattered Bedouin tribes, and one Hashemite prince who had been promised much more.
This episode explores how Britain carved out Transjordan as a buffer state, why Abdullah I took the deal, and how this seemingly artificial creation became the foundation of modern Jordan. From British colonial backpedaling to the strategic role of the Arab Legion, we uncover the real reasons behind Transjordan’s existence and why, unlike many of its neighbors, it remained remarkably stable.
Was this a pragmatic solution or just another imperial blunder? And how did this British-made country survive while others collapsed into chaos? Watch to find out.