Henry Kissinger once said, “The real distinction is between those who adapt their purposes to reality and those who seek to mold reality in the light of their purposes.” Few countries today illustrate this better than Morocco, where a nuanced foreign policy seeks to reconcile national imperatives with broader global currents. From the kingdom’s growing engagement with Europe and efforts to shape Africa’s political landscape, Rabat’s strategy reflects both realism and aspiration. An example of this dual approach is the first Trump-era U.S. recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara in 2020, a milestone achieved in part through Morocco’s resumption of diplomatic relations with Israel—facilitated, among other factors, by historical and cultural bonds linking over half a million Israelis of Moroccan descent to their ancestral homeland. Yet the country’s modern posture cannot be fully understood without recognizing the role of King Mohammed VI, who has reigned since 1999. Positioned as the guarantor of both institutional continuity and macro-economic stability, the monarch presides over a nation increasingly defined by its ability to navigate complex global alliances.
From Trump Recognition to the African Union: Straddling Global and Continental Arenas
In 2017, Morocco signaled its renewed commitment to Africa by rejoining the African Union (AU) after decades-long absence. This move was not merely symbolic; it set in motion a series of strategic initiatives to cement Morocco’s place in key continental discussions. Most recently, Rabat put forward Latifa Akharbach—an accomplished diplomat, journalist, and media executive—as a candidate for the AU Vice-Presidency.
Yet such ambitions invariably attract pushback. Algeria, Morocco’s long-standing rival, is reportedly lobbying AU members to frustrate Rabat’s attempts to gain a top seat within the body. Their competition, fueled by the Western Sahara dispute, extends into broader questions. Tensions manifest not only in diplomatic maneuvers within the AU but also in diverging economic and security strategies across North and West Africa. Algeria’s attempts to isolate Morocco reflect an ongoing struggle for supremacy in a region where alliances can shift quickly and where external powers watch carefully to see who emerges with greater influence.
Despite this friction, Morocco continues to cultivate strong connections with major global players. A recent call between Senator Marco Rubio and Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, noted on the U.S. official channels, attests to an enduring bond with American policymakers.
Economic Foundation and World Cup Ambitions
Beyond the realm of high-stakes diplomacy, Morocco’s domestic policy complements its continental and global engagements. The kingdom has implemented measured reforms to enhance economic resilience. According to the International Monetary Fund, Morocco’s GDP is forecast to grow by around 3.2% in 2024 and 3.9% in 2025—ratios that may not rival Asia’s fastest-growing markets but exceed those of many neighboring countries in North-West Africa. These numbers are sustained by a diversified portfolio that includes automotive manufacturing—focused at the largest port of Africa, Tanger Med—and an expanding aerospace sector centered around Casablanca’s Midparc industrial zone.
With the 2030 FIFA World Cup approaching—co-hosted with Spain and Portugal—the government plans to invest more than $15 billion in stadiums, transport networks, and hospitality infrastructure. Such large-scale projects not only promise a boost to tourism’s current 7% share of GDP but also showcase Morocco’s potential as a modern, business-friendly environment.
Simultaneously, the kingdom is building its reputation as a stabilizing force in regions marked by volatility. Its proactive approach in the Sahel—offering intelligence-sharing, direct aid, and diplomatic assistance to governments besieged by insurgencies—highlights Morocco’s capacity to function as a security partner. Such engagement has earned Rabat goodwill among Western nations focused on counterterrorism efforts, reinforcing the perception that Morocco can offer practical solutions in a corridor afflicted by multiple coups and extremist threats.
Whether Morocco can translate these advantages into lasting continental leadership will depend on myriad factors: the extent of Algerian opposition, the receptivity of AU member states to Morocco’s policy agenda, and the kingdom’s ability to sustain growth amid global economic turbulence. By embracing opportunities—such as Washington’s support on Western Sahara and growing influence within the African Union—Morocco appears well-positioned to keep molding its corner of the world, in line with Kissinger’s timeless observation.
