Toward a “Greater Morocco”: Moroccan irredentism and Cold War territorial expansions

This thesis presents a series of case studies on the territorial expansion plans inspired by the concept of “Greater Morocco,” and irredentist ideology supported by Morocco’s ultra- nationalist politicians, notably Allal Al-Fassi, and implemented by the Moroccan government during the Cold War. The thesis first traces the pre-independent backgrounds of Morocco’s irredentism, monarchical traditions, and the continuity of the Alaouite Dynasty. It then focuses on interpreting four critical historical events, including the Spain-Morocco war in Ifni (1957- 1958), Morocco’s territorial claim of Mauritania (1957-1961), the border war known as “the Sand War” between Morocco and Algeria (1963-1964), and the Green March in Western Sahara in 1975. The thesis challenges the existing academic view that the conflicts between Morocco and its neighbouring countries were sporadic events and common border disputes. It proposes a new interpretation: the two Moroccan Kings, Mohammed V and Hassan II, made full use of the “Greater Morocco” narrative and its influence. Based on their assessment of the regional situation in the context of the Cold War and decolonisation, they attempted to divert domestic conflicts through territorial expansion actions and ensure control over domestic politics, thereby consolidating the monarchical regime and enhancing public identification with the Alaouite State. The thesis also explains the historical significance of the above events, as they reflected the contradictions and gaps between Morocco and its neighbouring countries in mainstream ideologies and national identities. Although the territorial expansion actions hindered Morocco’s relations with neighbouring countries to a certain extent, regarding the long-term impact, Morocco has partially achieved its expansionist goals, enabling the Alaouite regime to maintain stability and legitimacy.<p></p>

Author dc:creator

• Yu Lan (21041792)

• Morocco
• the Alaouite Dynasty
• irredentism
• territorial disputes
• intrastate politics
• the Cold War

Statement dc:rights

• All rights reserved
• Open Access after 2027-09-23

Identifier

10779/exe.31804555.v1

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:figshare.com:article/31804555