An analysis of Moroccan-Algerian relations from constructivist perspective

In 1956 Morocco gained its independence and had a claim over pre-colonial territories which were containing parts of Algeria and Spanish Sara (today's Western Sahara). Eleven years later, in 1963 Algeria and Morocco went to war with each other due to border disputes carried out during the colonial period. Shortly after this incident, Sahrawis living in Spanish Sahara proclaimed their independence in 1975 and in 1976 established autonomy under the name Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic which was supported by Algeria. Following the Algerian support for the movement, Rabat and Algier had a military confrontation in 1976 at the Oasis of Amgala. Although both parties settled on this issue and never had another armed conflict after these confrontations, still the tension carried out between the two countries and the status of Western Sahara is an ongoing riddle. The claim of this thesis is that there are three main reasons for the conflict that can be framed through a constructive understanding of international relations. One of the reasons is that these two countries have different state identities and interests which made them stand on opposite sides of the balance of power from the establishment of both states. Secondly, the Security Dilemma that has occurred under an intersubjective understanding of the Western Sahara Issue is the most significant reflection and turnsole of the conflict. Lastly, long history of conflict and distinct identities creates a competitive security system and regional power competition in which both states play key points in the Middle East, Africa, and Europe.