About this book:

Western Sahara stands as one of the world's most enduring territorial disputes, a complex legacy of Spanish colonization, geopolitical maneuvering, and the struggle for self-determination. This comprehensive guide navigates the intricate political landscape, exploring the historical roots of the conflict, the emergence and role of the Polisario Front advocating for Sahrawi independence, and Morocco's assertion of sovereignty over the majority of the territory, including its administration and integration policies. It delves into the consequences of the 1975 Madrid Accords and the subsequent war, highlighting the physical division of the land by the Moroccan berm and the establishment of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) as a government-in-exile in the Algerian Tindouf camps.

The book provides a detailed examination of the political systems operating in both the Moroccan-controlled and Polisario-controlled zones, contrasting the integration into the Moroccan state with the self-governance structures developed in exile. It explores the pivotal, yet often contentious, role of the United Nations and its peacekeeping mission MINURSO in attempting to organize a long-promised referendum on self-determination, and analyzes the significant obstacles and debates that have prevented this vote from ever taking place. Crucially, it contrasts Morocco's proposed autonomy plan under its sovereignty with the Sahrawi people's demand for self-determination, illustrating the fundamental divide hindering a resolution.

Beyond the core parties, the guide scrutinizes the influence of regional actors, particularly Algeria's crucial support for the Polisario Front and Mauritania's early involvement and subsequent withdrawal. It also examines the complex interplay of major global powers and the shifting landscape of international recognition for both the SADR and Morocco's autonomy plan. The economic factors shaping the politics, the challenging humanitarian situation in the refugee camps, and the vital roles of women and youth in the political struggle are also thoroughly explored. Finally, the book analyzes the renewed tensions following the collapse of the 1991 ceasefire and outlines potential future scenarios and prospects for achieving a lasting peace in this protracted conflict.

What You'll Find Inside:

• Examines the historical background of Western Sahara, from Spanish colonization to the present political impasse.
• Details the emergence and role of the Polisario Front, the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), and their governance structures.
• Explores Morocco's annexation and integration policies in the territory it controls, including the construction of the defensive berm.
• Analyzes the complex roles of regional and international actors, including Algeria, Mauritania, the United Nations (MINURSO), and major global powers.
• Discusses key issues such as the elusive referendum on self-determination, competing visions of autonomy versus independence, human rights concerns, and future scenarios for conflict resolution.

Who's It For:

This book is for anyone seeking a comprehensive understanding of the complex and long-standing Western Sahara conflict. It would be particularly valuable for students, scholars, journalists, policymakers, and individuals interested in international relations, North African politics, decolonization, and human rights issues.