Morocco: A Country We Need to Know Better
Morocco stands as one of the most significant countries that we need to understand and pay close attention to, as its challenges—whether territorial, migratory, security-related, economic, or political—are intricately linked to ours. Despite being separated by only a mere 20 kilometers, our knowledge of Morocco remains surprisingly shallow. This lack of understanding persists, even with the presence of over a million Moroccans living in Spain and the influx of tourism. While tourism offers a surface-level glimpse into Moroccan life, it does not foster a deep comprehension of the nation itself. Furthermore, the Moroccan community in Spain often remains distanced from the social, cultural, and political spheres of Spanish life, creating a mutual separation that is both unfortunate and reciprocal.
As a result of this ignorance, a stubborn and tenacious negative bias against Morocco and its people has taken root in Spain, despite the fact that Morocco has undergone significant improvements in various sectors over the past two decades, particularly in economic and social domains. A comprehensive understanding of Morocco's strengths and weaknesses is essential for dispelling misunderstandings and fostering better relations. Unfortunately, in Spanish society, perceptions of Morocco are frequently tainted by xenophobia and even Islamophobia, as highlighted by a Spanish expert who noted the prevailing attitudes of condescension, superiority, disdain, and animosity toward the Moroccan populace.
Economic and Political Landscape of Morocco
It is important to acknowledge that while Morocco may not fit the mold of a European-style democracy, it exhibits considerable economic fragility and a dual-speed society, akin to many other nations, including Spain and Portugal, where significant inequalities persist under the euphemistic label of a 'wage gap.' However, within the context of a North African Muslim country, it is crucial to contextualize its shortcomings. Understanding Islam without prejudice is vital, as it is not inherently hostile nor monolithic; conflating the actions of extremists with the vast majority of peaceful Muslims is misleading. For many young Moroccans, both within the country and in the diaspora, Islam represents a vital aspect of their identity, embodying values such as family, coexistence, affection, and solidarity—qualities that have eroded in many of the more developed societies in Europe.
Morocco's economic policy may sometimes appear as a façade, exemplified by the Al Boraq high-speed train, modern highways, and the upcoming 2030 FIFA World Cup, which have stirred unrest among youth who face severe inadequacies in essential sectors like education and healthcare. Establishing a sustainable democracy necessitates three foundational pillars: universal healthcare, universal education, and a fair tax system, none of which are fully realized in Morocco today. Moreover, the ongoing injustices faced by women, particularly in rural and less developed areas, remain a pressing concern. With a median age of 29 and an official unemployment rate hovering around 40%, the Moroccan demographic is fraught with uncertainty for millions of young people, threatening stability in the country. Nevertheless, Morocco's system remains robust in comparison to its neighbors in the Maghreb and the Sahel regions. The economy does showcase strengths, particularly in industrial free zones, notably in the automotive sector, yet much of the economy remains informal. The Moroccan GDP continues to rely heavily on remittances from emigrants, reminiscent of Spain's developmental phase.
Despite Morocco's strategic and geopolitical importance, it is concerning that institutions such as the Institute for Strategic Studies and the Elcano Foundation, along with the almost negligible presence of Casa Árabe, engage with the realities of contemporary Morocco infrequently and superficially. This lack of institutional study contrasts sharply with the wealth of private literature on Morocco produced by independent observers and experts. There are recent publications by authors like Ignacio Cembrero, Sonia Moreno, and Javier Otazu, which, while insightful, have yet to reach a broad audience. The historical relationship between Spain and Morocco has been pivotal at various moments, from the events of 711 to the Battle of Alcazarquivir, which had significant implications for the Spanish crown, to the Rif War and the subsequent political upheavals that shaped modern Spain.
In light of these complexities, the recent forums organized by The Political Room and San Pablo University (Real Instituto Universitario de Estudios Europeos, CEU) focusing on Spain and its southern flank are timely. These discussions have tackled essential issues with a high level of engagement among participants, providing a vital platform for reflection on our relationships and attitudes toward Morocco and the Maghreb, a discourse that must continue to evolve.
As reported by theobjective.com.
