The Strategic Partnership with the United States in Morocco’s Foreign Policy in the Late 20th and Early 21st Centuries

Abstract

The aim of the study is to identify the main directions of Moroccan-American cooperation during the reign of King Mohammed VI and to analyze the role of the United States in strengthening Morocco's international positions. The main attention is paid to the security, military-political and economic dimensions of bilateral relations.

The methodological basis is the principles of historicism, systemic and comparative analysis. The problem-chronological method was used to study the evolution of relations between Rabat and Washington, as well as elements of political and economic analysis to assess the results of bilateral cooperation.

The study found that after Mohammed VI came to power, Moroccan-American relations acquired the character of a strategic partnership. After the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Morocco became one of the key allies of the United States in the fight against international terrorism. An important stage was the granting of the status of "major non-NATO US ally" to Morocco in 2004. It is proven that security cooperation includes joint military exercises "African Lion", participation in the Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Initiative and cooperation with AFRICOM. It is established that Morocco has become the largest buyer of American military equipment in Africa.

It is found that an important element of bilateral relations has become the Free Trade Agreement of 2004, which contributed to the growth of trade and the activation of American investments in Morocco. Cooperation between the states also covered educational, social and institutional programs with the participation of USAID, MEPI and the Millennium Challenge Corporation.

The conclusions indicate that the strategic partnership between Morocco and the United States is characterized by a high level of political trust and institutional stability. It is proven that during the reign of Mohammed VI, Morocco strengthened the position of one of the key US allies in the North African region.