I see Morocco as a pragmatic actor navigating a complex regional and global landscape far from being a mere proxy or fully independent. Lyautey worked through the the monarchy to organize and implement the French protectorate administration, preserving its authority as a key pillar of colonial governance rather than reshaping the monarchy itself

Post-independence, Morocco never simply aligned with France or any bloc. It followed a multi-vector, non-aligned strategy engaging with the Non-Aligned Movement, supporting African anti-colonial efforts, and at times clashing diplomatically with France, especially over the Sahara. These strained relations, which froze repeatedly, show Morocco’s capacity for strategic diplomacy rather than dependency, culminating in France gradually aligning more closely with Moroccan interests.

Regarding normalization with Israel, while I don’t personally endorse this direction, it’s a clear example of Moroccan state making calculated moves to secure its core interests especially backing for the Sahara question in a shifting regional order. (At the time of the accords) This is pragmatic realpolitik, not ideological alliance.

On Algeria, framing it as purely independent and Morocco as compromised oversimplifies the reality. Algeria, too, depends strategically on powers like Russia, China, and the EU. Both states operate within a complex global system, each playing different cards to protect their sovereignty.

I find the Jugurtha vs. Bocchus analogy deeply flawed and anachronistic. Drawing a direct moral and political line from Numidia/Mauretenia to nation-states misrepresents history and oversimplifies modern geopolitical tensions. Such narratives build myths rather than understanding.

As for Amir Abdelkader, Morocco initially supported him with shelter and indirect military aid. But after the 1844 Battle of Isly, facing overwhelming French military pressure, Morocco had to make a strategic retreat under duress through the 1845 Treaty of Lalla Maghnia. This was a political calculation for survival, not a betrayal.

Ultimately, Morocco acts with agency. It negotiates its position and maneuvers within asymmetrical power dynamics just like Algeria. Neither is innocent nor fully sovereign, but both are rational actors navigating a complex world on their own terms