Abstract
This chapter explores the Western Sahara dispute as a case study of how ethnic disputes have been “imagineered” in the Arab world. While some commentators have defended territorial power-sharing as the appropriate solution for Western Sahara, based on European models of federalism or territorial autonomy, others have argued that such models have little saliency in Arab contexts, and that ‘Arab problems require Arab solutions’. Through an analysis of the politics of representing the Western Sahara conflict by both the Moroccan government and Sahrawi nationalists, this chapter argues that both sides of this problematization—“Arab solutions” and “Arab problems”— are untenable and reifying, and fail to elucidate how the structures of global politics are largely at fault for the prolongation of suffering in Western Sahara. Since ethnic conflicts in the Arab world are already deeply penetrated by global power structures, the solution must also span local and global levels.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.