Rabat – A new book titled “Morocco, an enemy? Decoding the Algerian institutional discourse” sheds light on how Algeria has developed and maintained a hostile image of its neighbor, Morocco.
Written by Mohamed Mliless and Mohammed Larouz, the book offers a deep look into the political and media strategies used by Algerian institutions to portray Morocco as an enemy.
Relations between Morocco and Algeria have been tense for decades, affecting the entire North African region, recalled the authors in a statement. This book explores the roots of this tension by analyzing the messages spread through Algerian political speeches, military statements, and media reports.
The authors argue that Algeria’s portrayal of Morocco as a threat is not accidental. Instead, it is a carefully constructed narrative that serves both internal and external purposes, keeping the public united against a so-called external enemy while also positioning Algeria as a regional power.
Both authors are specialists in applied linguistics and experts in political and media discourse analysis. Their study uses linguistic tools to uncover hidden meanings and intentions behind official Algerian statements.
The book is divided into four key parts. The first, about bilateral relations, looks at attempts by Morocco to improve relations, such as King Mohammed VI’s famous “extended hand,” and how Algeria often responds with hostility. It also discusses cultural disputes, like the fight over Moroccan heritage.
In the second part, the authors examine how Algerian state media shape public opinion against Morocco. “The in-depth study of the military magazine ‘El-Djeich’ illustrates how hostile discourse is propagated within Algerian state institutions,” the authors assert in the statement on the book, adding that the magazine has used the earthquake in Morocco for political purposes.
Meanwhile, the third part of the book explains how Algeria’s government uses the image of Morocco as a distraction from domestic problems like high living costs and political unrest. The authors mentioned the role of the military in politics and Iran’s growing influence in the region.
The final part of the publication expands the view to include regional security challenges. It discusses opportunities for Morocco and Algeria to work together, especially in the Sahel region, saying that cooperation could support peace and development.
The authors argue that Algeria’s hostile stance toward Morocco is more than just a diplomatic issue, but a system of ideas that runs deep in Algeria’s political and media landscape. They say this approach blocks any real chance for peaceful dialogue or regional progress.
Despite this, the book also points to possibilities for future cooperation. It notes the need for both countries to move past old rivalries and face shared challenges like climate change, terrorism, and economic development.
The authors recommend the book for diplomats, policy makers, journalists, researchers, and anyone interested in North African politics, saying it provides valuable insights into how national narratives are built and how they can shape international relations.
