Doomed Regionalism in a Redrawn Maghreb? The Changing Shape of the Rivalry Between Algeria and Morocco in the Post-2011 Era

Abstract

Since independence, intra-Maghrebi relations have been marked by a pattern of bilateral rivalry between Morocco and Algeria, which has conditioned the construction of the Maghreb and hampered regional integration initiatives. This article discusses the impact of political transformations on this longstanding pattern of behaviour since 2011. While shared perceptions of threat initially prompted a short-lived 'defensive détente' between the two countries, this rapprochement soon yielded to a new period of rivalry. Moreover, the sub-regional context in the area is tumultuous, due to the deterioration of the security situation in Mali and Libya. Once again, the zero-sum perspective that characterises Moroccan-Algerian relations has prevailed, preventing both countries from cooperating in tackling regional crises. Additionally, new arenas of rivalry have emerged in the Sahel, what some have called the 'new security border for Europe' and a space in which both countries are competing for...