A comparative analysis of operational codes for King Hussein I and King Abdullah II

Abstract

After King Abdullah II inherited the throne from King Hussein I at a very critical transition point in 1999, it became necessary for a study to rigorously examine the fundamental characteristics of each leaders' outlooks on the political realm. Additionally, it created a unique opportunity to gauge the effects of a leadership transition period on a leader's policy preferences, as well as the changes in direction for future political action in the region. This study utilized the Verbs In Context System to code six randomly selected texts from each leader to construct operational code indices for both Hussein and Abdullah during two time periods: continuous, sustained periods of leadership, and the year of rule either before or after the transition point (depending on which leader is being considered). Mean values for each leader were computed on nine operational code indices spanning both philosophical and instrumental beliefs: Nature of the Political Universe, Realization of Political Values, Predictability of Others, Control over Historical Development, Role of Chance, Approach to Goals, Pursuit of Goals, Timing of Action, and Utility of Means. Two-factor ANOVA tests checked for variation over time with respect to leader, time period, and any possible interaction between these factors. The resulting data sets show that, barring some differences in relation to the negative characterization of the political universe, both Hussein and Abdullah possessed a propensity toward very cooperative means in approaching the political arena. These operational codes did not vary across time and the leaders did not differ much from each other in their characterization of and action in the political environment. Overall, Hussein and Abdullah tested to be very similar to each other in operational codes, and we can expect Abdullah to pursue the policies that were begun by Hussein in an effort to preserve the moderate stance that the nation has historically taken with respect to the Middle East peace process.