In a report published by the Moroccan Center for African Studies and Sustainable Development (CMEADD), researcher Mohammed Rida Nour offers a structured review of twenty-five years of Moroccan diplomacy. Titled “Morocco’s Foreign Policy under Mohammed VI (1999-2025): institutionalized hedging and the production of deliberative interdependencies,” the report highlights a progressive but profound transformation in the mechanisms of the Kingdom’s external actions.
According to the report, this transformation signifies a shift in the logic of how Morocco conceives and exercises its influence, moving beyond mere preservation of balances or securing alliances to structuring lasting relationships within economic, legal, and institutional frameworks that enhance the Kingdom’s position regionally and internationally.
The report describes this evolution as “institutionalized hedging,” a strategy to create interdependencies rather than exclusive alignments, with the aim of making the costs of rupture high for partners.
One major contribution of the report is the focus on geoeconomics, emphasizing how Morocco leverages its economic capacities to have geopolitical effects. The report uses the Tanger Med port complex as a prime example of this strategy, positioning Morocco as a vital node in global value chains, especially in the automotive industry.
The European Union, as Morocco’s top trading partner, plays a pivotal role in this architecture, characterized by strong economic integration and recurring legal tensions. Despite legal disputes, economic relations remain robust, showcasing the depth of interdependencies established over the years.
The report also highlights Morocco’s return to the African Union in 2017 as a crucial step in expanding its foreign policy influence, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Through economic instruments like banking and industrial projects in various countries, Morocco aims to enhance its geopolitical influence.
While the Sahara issue remains central to Moroccan diplomacy, there has been a shift towards using legal and normative frameworks to advance the autonomy plan internationally. The report points out the strategic importance of the US recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara in 2020.
Additionally, the report underscores Morocco’s use of religious soft power through the promotion of a moderate form of Islam, strengthening ties with partner countries and positioning the Kingdom as a credible actor in combating extremism.
Despite its rising influence, the report notes structural constraints, such as economic dependence on the EU and environmental vulnerabilities, which could impact Morocco’s trajectory. This dynamic presents a paradox of autonomy within a context of persistent interdependencies.
In conclusion, the CMEADD report highlights a significant evolution in Moroccan diplomacy, showcasing a shift towards interdependence strategies and diverse partnerships. As Morocco navigates a complex international environment, this approach could position the Kingdom as a pivotal power between Europe and Africa, contingent on translating its strengths into sustainable regulatory capabilities.
