In a world where crises intersect and reshape balances, where does Morocco stand? How does it fit in, and what responses does it bring to these transformations? These questions, crucial in a troubled international context, structured the intervention of the guest speaker of the Faculty of Legal, Economic and Social Sciences in Rabat. Indeed, it was around these questions that Lamia Radi, former Ambassador of Morocco to Norway, articulated her views. The diplomat described a fragmented world marked by persistent tensions and continuous recompositions. It is within this challenging context that Morocco deploys responses that take into account both external and internal factors.
An international environment under permanent tension
For the diplomat, there is now a well-established reality: an international system marked by multiple crises. From the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to the war in Ukraine, passing through tensions in Yemen, Syria, or the Horn of Africa, the landscape is characterized by enduring instability. In this context, Morocco is not a direct actor in these conflicts. However, it directly feels the effects. “These conflicts are not ours, but they have a direct impact on us,” she says, citing the rise in energy and commodity prices. Therefore, foreign policy does not operate in a neutral space. It unfolds in a constrained environment where external developments require constant adjustments – where anticipation becomes central.
A rise in transnational threats
In addition to this conflictuality, there is a second level of analysis, diffuse yet equally determinant. It revolves around the nature of transnational threats, which the former ambassador defines precisely as a problem that cannot be resolved at the scale of a single country. Moreover, other factors further disturb the landscape of international relations. Terrorism, arms, drug, and human trafficking are no longer isolated phenomena. They are now intertwined in interconnected networks whose power can rival that of states. Therefore, an “economy of violence” emerges that transcends borders and complicates state responses even further.
A regional environment under surveillance
In the immediate neighborhood of Morocco, instability persists and demands sustained attention. Algeria is mentioned through its capacity to cause trouble, requiring constant vigilance. Libya illustrates the consequences of prolonged state collapse, leading to the expansion of militias and trafficking. In the Sahelian space, connections between armed groups and criminal networks further complicate already precarious balances. In this challenging landscape, institutional continuity emerges as a significant asset for Morocco, providing stability and ensuring long-term actions and projects.
Institutional continuity as a strength
Faced with these challenges, Morocco boasts a significant advantage – its institutional architecture. Governance is highlighted as a crucial asset, allowing for long-term projections. In an international environment marked by political alternations and strategic shifts, institutional continuity becomes particularly valuable for Morocco. It enables actions to be embedded in lengthy planning, carrying out essential projects over political cycles.
The diplomatic “layered strategy”
Describing Morocco’s actions, Lamia Radi uses an almost metaphoric formula, referring to the “layered strategy.” Morocco does not discard its strategies; instead, it piles them up. This approach includes constant presence in international arenas, diversification of partnerships, and tailored bilateral relations, evolving into a force for proposing initiatives rather than mere management.
Morocco, a reliable mediator
With its achievements and credibility, Moroccan diplomacy takes on a unique function: that of a mediator. Morocco serves as a trusted intermediary facilitating dialogue among actors who may not communicate directly. Its mediation efforts, such as in Libya, and peacekeeping operations contribute to its role as a preferred interlocutor in challenging times. In uncertain times, Morocco does not just adapt to external changes; it engages in a dynamic process of accumulation and projection, gradually shaping its influence capacity.
In conclusion, Lamia Radi emphasizes the essence of her views: in an uncertain environment, Morocco goes beyond adjusting to external developments. It engages in a dynamic process where its influence capacity takes shape.
