The Western Sahara Deadlock: Understanding Algeria’s Role and the Path to Resolution

Yasmine Hasnaoui’s The Western Sahara Deadlock: Understanding Algeria’s Role and the Path to Resolution investigates the extent of continuity and change of Algeria’s foreign policy in the Western Sahara conflict following Algerian independence in 1962. The deterioration of diplomatic relations between Morocco and Algeria is a result of a deep-rooted rivalry over the conflict. Morocco’s diplomatic discourse over the past decade asserts that Algeria’s direct involvement is the main reason for its perpetuation. Algeria, on the other hand, denies such accusations, claiming instead that the Sahara conflict is a UN matter, labelling Morocco as the last colonizing power on the African continent. To verify the validity of these contradictory allegations, Hasnaoui examines major factors, including geographical continuity and security interaction, that have influenced the creation and implementation of Algerian foreign policy with respect to the Western Sahara conflict. Hasnaoui sheds light on the current atmosphere of Algerian-Moroccan relations, Algeria’s role in the Western Sahara conflict, and the consequences related to its failure to achieve a full Maghreb integration.

Yasmine Hasnaoui is assistant professor of political science and international relations at the American International University in Kuwait.