Part 6/8:
The dispute over Western Sahara has momentum not just for its local politics but for global power dynamics as well. Morocco's control over Western Sahara gives it access to significant phosphate deposits vital for fertilizer production and, potentially, offshore natural gas reserves. Recent alliances, such as reciprocal recognitions between the United States and Morocco regarding the territory, only deepen global stakeholding in the region.
Algeria remains the primary supporter of the Polisario, leading to escalating tensions — including military build-up on both sides. The contemporary geopolitical landscape is also increasingly influenced by foreign actors like Russia and China, who have aided Algeria, thus complicating the diplomatic landscape even further.