An analytical examination of the hegemonic rivalry between Morocco and Algeria from 1962 onwards

Dissertant

Asim, Camelia

Thesis advisor

Aran, Amnon

University

Al Akhawayn University

Faculty

School of Humanities and Social Sciences

University Country

Morocco

Degree

Ph.D.

Degree Date

2013

English Abstract

The objective of this project is to study and analyze the hegemonic rivalry between Morocco and Algeria from 1962 onwards, in order to identify and assess its implications on the Western Sahara conflict, and the security and regional integration of the Maghreb.

In order to comprehensively study and understand the rivalry between the two countries, the Western Sahara conflict will serve as a case for analysis, since it accounts for the major illustration of this rivalry.

According to Rousset, Algeria has continually challenged Morocco to incorporate the Western Sahara within its borders (2001).

To be able to achieve a conclusion on the subject, I will also analyze Morocco's claims to the territory, and the reasons behind Algeria's will to weaken the Moroccan position in the conflict, regionally, and internationally.

Algeria's motives are crucial to the study.

The goal of the analysis is to determine how the rivalry between the two countries has affected the ability to reach an agreement on the Western Sahara conflict.

The goal is also to determine whether Algeria's opposition to Morocco emerges out of the will of the former to become the hegemon in the region, and strengthen its position both regionally and internationally, weakening at the same time its opponent; Morocco.

Finally, I will analyze the implications of the hegemonic rivalry between Morocco and Algeria on the security and regional integration of the Maghreb.

The goal is to demonstrate the nature of the link between the rivalry and the failure to achieve regional integration in the Maghreb, the inefficiency of the Maghreb Arab Union, and the economic losses resulting from this inefficiency.

The research question that is the basis of the focus of this dissertation is directed at an issue that is three-fold.

First, it explores the hegemonic rivalry between Morocco and Algeria, to lay the grounds of analysis.

Second, it aims at determining whether the hegemonic rivalry between Morocco and Algeria has affected the ability to achieve an agreement on the Western Sahara issue.

Finally, the thesis investigates the implications of this hegemonic rivalry on the security, and regional integration of the Maghreb, constituted of Morocco, Mauritania, Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya.

The research question is the following: How has the hegemonic rivalry between Morocco and Algeria affected the ability to achieve an agreement on the Western Sahara, and the ability to complete regional integration in the Maghreb?

Main Subjects

Social Sciences (Multidisciplinary)

No. of Pages

51

Table of Contents

• APA
• MLA
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Language

English

Data Type

Arab Theses

Record ID

BIM-590396