WESTERN SAHARA | Morocco's Final Victory?

This was an unexpected topic for this week as the news only broke on Wednesday, but I had to cover it. This week, France decided to formally recognise Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara and support its proposals for autonomy. This is certainly a major blow to Sahrawi hopes for independence. But is it really the end of the road for a Western Saharan state? Or should it just accept self-rule? As always, I look forward to hearing your thoughts and comments below. (By the way, I'll say this right now: I will have very little patience for any comments from Moroccans claiming that the ICJ advisory opinion actually said that Western Saharan is Moroccan. I have been through this too many times. I have put the exact text up in the video. I know that you are taught some strange alternative reading of the advisory opinion in school and in the media, but take a moment to read what it really says. Really, I now use this as one of the best cases of state propaganda gaslighting a population I have ever come across!)

A lot of animosity for France in the comments, but not for Morocco itself…

You are making it like France has anything to do when it is busy struggling with expanding Russian influence in their former African colonies. Upsetting Morocco is the last thing the French could do already. The big question is why former French colonies are more prone to Russia than those under Britain and Spain will be more fascinating.

I do not understand why Morocco so vehemently opposes holding a referendum. Its position would be significantly stronger if they agreed to a referendum, in which all residents of Western Sahara could participate (with some residence requirement, such as 10 years, for example). It is evident that the supporters of remaining within Morocco would easily prevail, as even 10 years ago, settlers from Morocco constituted an overwhelming majority. The results of such a referendum would be somewhat easier for the government to defend.

Main reason for this outcome is that Western Sahara holds little strategic value to players outside the region.

its just crazy, that Morocco invests that much IN occupation- colonization of WESTERN SAHARA , ITS JUST CRAZY)) WHY , WHY ??)

Please never stop talking about the Western Sahara!

Muslim countries and people haven't been as vocal in their criticism of Morocco's violation of the Sawari people's rights for self-determination as they have been for Israel and Palestine. I don't want to sound cynical, but is it simply because when it's a Muslim Vs Muslim conflict there isn't as much interest as when it is Muslim vs. other religious denominations?

Excellent synopsis on the impacts of colonialism. It has always been intriguing to me seeing how indigenous people accept the artificial political constructs that colonial powers created. The study of nationalism it seems not enough to understanding the legacy of colonialism. Deeper analysis from both an athropological & modern political science I believe would reveal how indigenous people adopt theoritical political constructs that are antithetical to their own indigenous cultures. Examining Western Sahara provides a revealing case study. Again excellent topic which I will more deeply examine in reading to gain a more comprehensive understanding. Thanks for the podcast. It is a great platform that goes beyond academic journals to provide deeper understanding to highly complex issues well beyond a few scholars who only talk amongst themselves. Keep up the excellent work!👍

And yet morroroco has criticized Israel for illegal settlements and occupation

hello professor. ive been super busy lately and haven't watched a lot of YouTube, but im glad you made this video and i got to see it! i remember when i first heard about western Sahara and always thought they got handed a raw deal, but ultimately geopolitics isn't always about whats right but about what is most convenient for states. i think you always offer a interesting perspective and appreciate you bringing these kind of issues to light! have a great weekend sir!

Well, needless to say this is immeasurably disheartening & an upsetting turn of events. A sentence I've been saying far too often lately it seems

No other show expands my knowledge of world politics than this one. I appreciate your efforts immensely mate.

You mentioned last week how Armenia will probably just have to accept the loss of Nagorno-Karabakh, but could they not end up like someone like Hungary who are still bitter about losing their territory post WW1 over 100 years later? It was just a thought I had a few days after initially watching last week’s video!

This case has some similarities with Israel and palestine, but the level of condemnation is much stronger in one case( not that the settlement enterprise in the west bank is okay). The U.N should not be so selective

Excellent analysis,in-depth examination of Western Sahara Prof. As usual, we were excited and gained extensive knowledge about international relations. I hope our community becomes even more vibrant than it was. Thank you, Prof.🎉

Thanks as always Prof👍🏻🇦🇺👍🏻

Being progressive in nature with politics I've always supported people's struggles for independence . However in this case I really do feel this is a good deal for Western Sahara , if full autonomy is on the table then this should be accepted as a starting point . It's one of the worlds hotspots that's been going on for far too long and needs conclusion ASAP . Everything begins with a first step which always seems to be the hardest thing to do but in this case enough is enough . The poverty and hardship far outweigh the need for war and hostility . If Western Sahara accept this the mood of the region can only get better with investments finally coming through .

Free Western Sahara 🇪🇭

2 other similar cases: West Papua, Greater Louisiana