The Institute for Hispano Studies called on Madrid to strengthen its ties with Algeria and oppose Rabat's strategic ambitions, according to a statement released on Monday, August 3. The institute posted its recommendations on X, proposing three solutions for Spain to confront what it described as Morocco's threats against Ceuta and Melilla. These solutions included supporting Rif independence, backing Western Sahara independence, and working to secure Algeria access to the Atlantic Ocean. The institute claimed Moroccan provocations involve the use of Pegasus spyware targeting Spanish officials and journalists, alongside facilitating irregular migration. These actions, the institute asserted, represent direct challenges to Spanish sovereignty and regional stability, necessitating a strong and re-evaluated foreign policy approach from Madrid.
Strategic Rationale for Alliance
The Institute for Hispano Studies argued that Spain’s interests with Algeria outweigh those it shares with the Moroccan regime. The institute stated that Morocco imports between 90 and 94% of its energy needs, noting Algeria's energy significance. This substantial reliance on energy imports makes Morocco particularly vulnerable to supply disruptions and price fluctuations, a factor the institute emphasized in its strategic assessment. Algeria is Africa’s largest country by land area, spanning approximately 2.38 million square kilometers, and its population exceeds Morocco’s by more than 24%. This demographic and geographic scale further shows Algeria's regional prominence and potential as a strategic partner for Spain.
According to the institute, Algeria ranks tenth globally and first in Africa in natural gas production. It also places seventeenth worldwide in oil and petroleum products. These statistics position Algeria as a significant global player in the energy sector, offering Spain a stable and powerful energy partner. The institute pointed to Algeria’s substantial military budget, which exceeds $21 billion. This defense allocation is roughly four times Morocco’s defense allocation, indicating a significant military disparity. This considerable investment in its military capabilities, the institute noted, reflects Algeria's commitment to regional security and its capacity to project influence, which could serve as a deterrent against perceived threats from other regional actors.
Algeria's Foreign Policy Stance
The Institute for Hispano Studies noted Algeria’s consistent foreign policy, characterized by its revolutionary legacy. According to the institute, this stance is rooted in anti-imperialist and anti-Zionist principles. These aspects of Algeria's diplomatic engagement are presented as a key factor for Spain to consider in its regional alliances. The institute's analysis suggests that Algeria's long-standing commitment to these principles offers a stable and predictable partner in a volatile geopolitical environment. This historical orientation distinguishes Algeria's approach to international relations, particularly in the Maghreb and broader Middle East. The institute emphasized that Algeria's unwavering adherence to these principles provides a clear framework for its international conduct, contrasting with what it implied were more opportunistic or shifting alliances from other regional powers.
Critique of Spanish Policy
The Institute for Hispano Studies' analysis reflects a broader sentiment among some Spanish strategic analysts. These analysts reportedly criticize the current Pedro Sánchez government’s foreign policy, particularly its perceived acquiescence to pressure and provocations from the Moroccan regime. The critique suggests that Spain's official stance has been overly accommodating towards Rabat, potentially undermining Madrid's strategic interests in the region. This perspective notes a debate within Spanish strategic circles regarding the most effective approach to managing relations with its North African neighbors, particularly in light of ongoing regional dynamics and historical tensions. The institute's recommendations, therefore, align with a viewpoint advocating for a more assertive and independent Spanish foreign policy. This school of thought believes that a stronger stance, backed by alliances with countries like Algeria, would better safeguard Spain's national security and economic interests against what they describe as persistent challenges from Morocco.