Morocco, regional power in a multipolar world

The world is today going through a period of historic transition marked by the gradual decline of the unipolar order dominated by the United States since the end of the Cold War. In its place is emerging a more fragmented international system, based on the multiplication of centers of power and shifting alliances.

The geopolitical crises affecting Europe, the Middle‒The East, Africa and Latin America show that ancient balances are no longer sufficient to explain contemporary reality. States must now demonstrate strategic intelligence, diplomatic flexibility and the ability to adapt.

In this context, Morocco appears to be one of the most significant examples of stability and growing power in North Africa. During the last decade, the Kingdom has succeeded in building a pragmatic and methodical foreign policy based on balance, the diversification of partnerships and the anticipation of international transformations.

A world in reorganization

Europe is experiencing a phase of deep strategic fragility because of the Russian War‒Ukraine, energy tensions and economic and migration crises. The States‒The United States also faces internal and external challenges that limit its ability to single-handedly impose the world order.

At the same time, China is asserting its economic and technological power while Russia seeks to preserve its geopolitical influence. Other emerging powers like India, Turkey and Brazil are also seeking to consolidate their strategic autonomy.

Henry Kissinger recalled that “international stability depends on the existence of a lasting balance between the great powers†(Henry Kissinger, World Order). Samuel Huntington emphasized that “future conflicts will also be cultural and civilizational” (Samuel Huntington, The Clash of Civilizations).

In this complex environment, Morocco is trying to build its own path without excessive dependence on a single international bloc.

Moroccan diplomacy

Morocco adopts a calm, pragmatic diplomacy based on the gradual accumulation of achievements. The Kingdom avoids unnecessary confrontations and favors long-term strategies.

The country benefits from an exceptional geographical position between Europe, Africa, the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. This situation allows it to play an important role in the areas of security, migration, energy and economic exchanges.

Morocco has also succeeded in developing balanced relations with states‒United, the European Union, the Gulf countries, China and several African partners.

Bertrand Badie affirms that “intelligent states are those which know how to transform their geography and their diplomacy into real influence” (Bertrand Badie, Le Temps des Humiliés). This definition increasingly corresponds to the Moroccan positioning.

The Moroccan Sahara

The issue of the Moroccan Sahara constitutes the heart of Moroccan diplomacy. In recent years, the Kingdom has obtained several important advances on the international level.

The Moroccan initiative for autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty is now considered by several powers as a credible and realistic solution. The opening of foreign consulates in Layoune and Dakhla symbolizes this major diplomatic development.

American recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara has strengthened the Kingdom’s position and changed the diplomatic balance around the issue.

Mohammed VI declared: “The question of the Sahara is the prism through which Morocco looks at the world†(Mohammed VI, Speech on the Revolution of the King and the People). This sentence perfectly illustrates the strategic centrality of this national question.

Morocco also combines sovereignty and development through major infrastructure and investment projects in the southern provinces.

The Gulf and the Middle East

Tensions between Iran, the States‒United and Israel have profoundly transformed the strategic balances of the Middle‒East and Gulf. Several countries in the region are today seeking to diversify their alliances and reduce their exclusive dependence on American protection.

Morocco is taking advantage of this development to strengthen its economic and political partnerships with the Gulf countries while preserving a certain diplomatic autonomy.

The Kingdom also appears to be a stable and moderate actor capable of maintaining balanced relations with different regional partners.

Africa as a strategic horizon

Morocco understood very early that Africa would represent one of the great growth areas of the 21st century. The Kingdom has therefore strengthened its banking, energy, economic and cultural presence in many African countries.

Morocco’s return to the African Union marked an important step in this continental strategy. The Nigeria gas pipeline project‒Morocco also illustrates this long-term ambition.

Jeffrey Sachs states that “Africa will be one of the main growth engines of the century†(Jeffrey Sachs, The End of Poverty). Morocco seems to want to anticipate this development by building lasting partnerships with several African states.

Soft power

Morocco is also developing its influence through culture, heritage, sport, tourism and religious diversity. This soft power helps to reinforce its image of stability and openness.

The organization of the 2030 World Cup with Spain and Portugal symbolizes the Kingdom’s ability to project itself into the future and strengthen its international influence.

Joseph Nye recalls that “soft power makes it possible to obtain adhesion without direct constraint†(Joseph Nye, Soft Power). Morocco is investing more and more in this strategic dimension.

Morocco remains faced with significant economic and social challenges. However, today it seems better prepared than several other countries in the region to face the changes of the new world order.

The Kingdom seeks less to undergo international transformations than to actively participate in their redefinition. Thanks to its stability, its pragmatic diplomacy and its strategic vision, Morocco is gradually consolidating its place as a rising regional power within a multipolar world in full restructuring.