Geopolitics of Morocco

Geopolitics, or the study of politics as influenced by geographical factors, impacts the day-to-day struggles of Moroccans in a multitude of ways. Morocco (See image below) can be divided up into seven different regions. Each region has their own climate with the Atlas Mountains extending down from Fes to the South of Morocco. In having a mountain range within a country, it can make travel very difficult for its citizens; affecting how Moroccans travel within the country. Furthermore, it can also protect the Western half of the country from the East. 


Next, across North Africa and the Middle East (see image below), Islam remains the dominant religion, with Morocco being included in this majority. As we saw throughout our trip, religion is connected to almost every aspect of Moroccans’ daily lives. This is reinforced by Morocco’s political system in which the King is the Commander of the Faithful and Islam remains Morocco’s official religion. In Fatima Mernissi’s book, Dreams of Trespass, we saw how evident religion was and how it played a role in the gender divide within society. This was because of how significant religion was within their society to the extent that a man’s interpretation of the Quran predetermined what and was not acceptable in society for centuries. Being a part of the Arab world, Morocco’s location helps intensify the importance of Islam because many of its surrounding states are predominantly Muslim as well. 



Another way in which Morocco’s geopolitics impact day-to-day struggles of Moroccans is because of its close contact with Europe and close proximity to the Strait of Gibraltar (See image below on the left). As we read in Welcome to Paradise by Mahi Benebine, travelers will attempt to leave Morocco and cross into Spain by traveling the dangerous voyage across the ocean. For this particular group of travelers, as with many in real life as well, the ocean’s weather was far too extreme for them to finish their voyage and unfortunately they did not make it. Not only were the travelers from Morocco, but many other North and Central African states as well; showing how many will emigrated to Morocco and hopes of reaching Europe as a final destination. Some Moroccans attempt to make this journey because of their close proximity to Spain; however, it came come at a cost as we learned. 




The final way in which its geographic location affects their day-to-day lives is in terms of regional conflict. Throughout time, the Europeans colonized many African states, Morocco included. As we saw in Dreams of Trespass and at the Contemporary Art Museum, colonization impacts all elements of life for those whom are being colonized. However, certain parts of North and Central Africa are still reaping the negative effects of colonization and have seen increased conflicts as lasting effects, according to Crisis Group (see image above on the right). In addition, certain countries are facing other problems such as terrorist attacks and groups like Boko Haram in Nigeria. With regional conflict, more stable states, like Morocco, will see an influx of immigrants fleeing the conflict. This then impacts Moroccans’ day-to-day struggles by now having not only more people, but even more different cultures, languages, and more people looking for employment. Thus, Morocco’s location impacts their people in a vast number of ways. 

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