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The Arab Maghreb Union is a regional organisation established in 1989 by five North African countries (Algeria, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, and Tunisia). Initially, the Arab Maghreb Union held promising aspirations that could strengthen the Maghreb’s position on the global stage. It was expected that the union would be able to strengthen the regional ties of brotherhood, in order to pursue a common policy in different domains, including a gradual move toward the free circulation of goods, services, and factors of production among them. Another significant motivation stemmed from the political climate; the regional balance of power leaned in favour of Egypt, which had gained prestige in the Arab world in 1988. Hence, the creation of a regional organisation was seen as a means of rebalancing power dynamics in their favour, not only within the Arab world but also on the global stage.
Amongst these motivations, the most important factor was the belief that the Union could serve as a common platform for resolving the Western Sahara conflict. This ongoing dispute revolves around competing claims to the territory between Morocco and the Polisario Front, a rebel liberation movement representing the Sahrawi people aspiring for independence. Morocco asserts historical connections to the region, considering it part of its territory, whereas the Polisario Front advocates for Sahrawi self-determination and the establishment of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic. The conflict remains unresolved, exerting regional implications and affecting relations between Morocco and Algeria, with Algeria supporting the Sahrawi population's right to self-determination. On one hand, Morocco anticipated that the Arab Maghreb Union could participate in resolving the Western Sahara conflict, interpreting the absence of any mention of the Polisario as a signal of a potential shift in Algeria's stance on the matter. On the other hand, Algeria was convinced that Morocco might be open to embracing the ideological framework of “the Maghrebi identity” and making concessions to facilitate a more adaptable solution.
However, despite the idea of a “United Maghreb”, many reasons prevented the effective establishment of the Arab Maghreb Union, which achieved very little integration between members and is now considered dormant. To understand the failure of the Arab Maghreb Union, using the critical constructivist theory of international relations can provide valuable insights. Constructivism in international relations underscores the importance of identity formation in shaping states' perceptions and behaviours, highlighting how shared identities and interests influence cooperation among states (for an in-depth explanation of constructivism, see the Pragmat article “Understanding Constructivism in International Relations” by Yasmine Kelkouli). According to constructivist scholar Alexander Wendt, ideational structures are equally as important as material structures in comprehending state behaviour. In the context of the AMU, the lack of a shared identity among Maghreb states has led to a situation where they view each other as rivals rather than partners, influencing how these states articulate their interests within the union. By emphasising differences and portraying each other as competitors or adversaries, member states have prioritised their individual interests over collective Maghrebi interests, undermining unity and collaboration within the union. Furthermore, using the constructivist lens of international relations can underscore how the process of “othering” has shaped the national interests of Maghreb states within the Arab Maghreb Union. This focus on national interests has hindered the development of a cohesive regional approach and impeded the Arab Maghreb Union’s ability to function effectively as a unified entity.
The Arab Maghreb Union faced numerous challenges from various other factors. The previously mentioned Western Sahara conflict, which has negatively affected relations between Algeria and Morocco since 1975, stands out as a significant contributor to the Arab Maghreb Union's difficulties. The differing positions on this issue among member states have exacerbated divisions and reinforced identity-based tensions within the region. Additionally, the persistence of the Western Sahara conflict and later on the border closure between Algeria and Morocco in 1994 further enhanced the already strained relations between the two states, which has hindered the emergence of an inclusive Maghrebi identity that could unite the region. Moreover, external events such as the sanctions imposed against Libya, held responsible for the Lockerbie aircraft bombing disaster in 1992, diverted Colonel Gaddafi's focus away from the Maghreb towards closer ties with the Community of Sahel-Saharan States in its foreign policy. This shift reduced Libya's engagement with the Arab Maghreb Union and undermined regional cooperation efforts. Furthermore, in 1999, Mauritania's decision to establish diplomatic relations with Israel contradicted prevailing Arab nationalist sentiments in the region. This move heightened tensions among Maghreb countries and reinforced antagonisms, further impeding efforts towards regional integration and cooperation.
In sum, by understanding these identity-related dynamics through a constructivist framework, it becomes evident that addressing these underlying issues will be crucial for any future attempts to revitalise the AMU and foster greater unity and collaboration among Maghreb states.
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