Despite the wide economic gulf between them, Moroccan diplomacy has by far exceeded that of Spain—the size of an economy is not a determining factor in deciding a country’s importance to larger players.
In a remarkable break with its historic policy, reflecting either incompetence or deliberate national sabotage, the Spanish government has accepted Moroccan designs over the Western Sahara.
Strong U.S.-Moroccan relations make it difficult for Spain to gain clear assurances from NATO concerning the security of its north African territories. Insofar as these continue to be treated as a bargaining chip, subject to Morocco’s discretion, Spanish political elites are likely to offer concessions in other areas.
The more concessions the socialist-led government makes to Moroccan territorial pretensions, the more VOX promises a dramatic change in the country’s geopolitics should it enter a future coalition.
Spain’s President has described Rabat’s plans for the region as “the most solid, realistic and credible basis on which to resolve the historic contention” over the former African colony of the Western Sahara.
