In a recent analysis, Professor El Hassane Hzaine examines Morocco's strategic use of migration diplomacy in the context of asymmetric interdependence between the northern and southern shores of the Mediterranean. The article, published on August 5, 2026, highlights how Morocco has transformed migration from a domestic concern into a foreign policy tool.
Hzaine, a Moroccan academic, traces the evolution since the 1970s, when Morocco was focused on territorial integrity following the International Court of Justice's advisory opinion on Western Sahara and the subsequent Green March. Today, migration has become a central pillar of Morocco's diplomatic engagement with Europe, particularly Spain and France.
The concept of asymmetric interdependence refers to the unequal reliance between Morocco and European nations. While Europe needs Morocco's cooperation to manage migration flows, Morocco depends on European investment, trade, and remittances. This mutual but imbalanced dependency gives Morocco leverage in negotiations, as seen in recent agreements on migration management and economic partnerships.
Hzaine argues that Morocco has skillfully navigated this interdependence, using migration as a bargaining chip to secure concessions on other issues, such as trade, security, and political support. The article underscores the broader implications for Mediterranean relations, suggesting that migration diplomacy can foster cooperation despite underlying asymmetries.
As of 2026, Morocco continues to play a pivotal role in regional migration governance, balancing its own interests with those of its European partners. The analysis calls for a more nuanced understanding of migration as a tool for mutual benefit rather than a source of tension.
