Moroccan-Spanish Relations from Above and Below (1990 – 2012) Thesis submitted in accordance with the requirements of the University of Liverpool for the degree of Doctor in Philosophy by Abdessamad Fatmi Ben Talha July 2013 0 Moroccan-Spanish Relations from Above and Below (1990 – 2012) Abdessamad Fatmi Ben Talha Abstract This study sets out to analyse the dynamics and complexities of Moroccan-Spanish relations “from above and from below” over a period of 22 years (1990 to 2012) by exploring the impact of the supra-state (EU) and the sub-state (Catalan) entities on the bilateral relationship. While the Rabat-Madrid nexus is the main focus, the thesis also surveys Moroccan-EU and Moroccan-Catalan relations, focussing on economic, migration and cooperation policy areas where Spain, the EU and Catalonia have shared but varying degrees of competence. The investigation seeks to examine whether the complexity of relations and actors turn out to be beneficial or detrimental to the Rabat-Madrid bilateral ties, and strives to produce a theoretically informed investigation by framing the dynamics of this complex relationship in theoretical terms. Multi-level governance, Europeanization, Complex Interdependence and Omnibalancing are the main theoretical frameworks discussed. With regard to the central relationship (Moroccan-Spanish relations), the research highlights its complex, multifaceted and cyclical nature. It underlines some of the structural problems plaguing the bilateral ties such as the dissimilar political systems, the territorial squabbles, economic interests and disparities, migration and security challenges, and the negative public opinion; and it also points to the flourishing web of interdependencies forcing the two neighbours to cooperate such as the intensifying economic, political, and social issues. As to Morocco-EU relations, it transpires that Madrid looms relatively large in most EU- Moroccan ties, especially in economic (fisheries and agricultural) and migration issues. Brussels also plays an on-going structural role allowing Madrid to de-problematize some of its dealings with Rabat, by providing resources and a platform allowing Rabat and Madrid to focus on more constructive issues. Importance of Moroccan-Catalan relations is illustrated by the large proportion of Moroccan immigrants living in the autonomous region and the sustained economic and official relations between Barcelona and Rabat. Although Catalonia has its own priorities linked to its economic interests, identity, security, international prestige, and influence in Spanish politics, Barcelona’s impact on Rabat-Madrid relations has mainly been positive, if not complementary. The research also highlights the lingering and potential structural problems in the inter-state bilateral relationship including territorial issues, economic interests and disparities, security challenges, negative perceptions, etc. However, it concludes that the proliferation of actors and the diversification of interests has largely generated a shield of common interdependencies that mitigate tensions and prevent potential conflicts. The thesis argues, therefore, for Complex Interdependence as a fairly satisfactory theoretical base, albeit with limitations. The theory has the potential to frame the dynamics of this complex relationship where increased interdependencies seems to create a buffer of common interests withstanding conflict. Within this framework, the EU and Catalonia can be perceived as external actors and contact channels, largely facilitating relations and alleviating tensions. 1 Acknowledgement. First and foremost, I would like to acknowledge the professional and valuable guidance I received from my supervisor, Richard Gillespie, without whose help, rigour, constant availability and accessibility this research wouldn’t have seen the day. I have found in Richard a friend, a mentor and an example. His generous and meticulous feedback, his humane sensitivity and tactfulness and his patience and thoughtfulness are some of the qualities that particularly marked me and that I hope to emulate throughout my career. My gratitude also goes to my colleagues at the Politics Department at the University of Liverpool. A special thank you goes to Alex Balch whose supervision and extremely useful comments have helped steer this project in the right direction. My gratitude and thanks also go to Erika Harris for her constant support and encouragement and for offering me the opportunity to gain valuable experience at the department. I would also like to thank Jon Tonge and David Dolowitz for their support and kind assistance. I am also indebted to my family and friends whose love and support means a lot to me. To my loving mother whose payers and unconditional love provided me with a mantle of peace, confidence and wellbeing. To my father whose devotion, self-instruction, pursuit and love for knowledge have provided me with a life-long example that I will forever honour. To the best brothers and sisters I could have dreamt of. Their love and encouragements have provided a tremendous moral and spiritual support, and their kids have been an enormous source of joy and inspiration. I also feel particularly blessed with the love of my friends and dear ones. A special brotherly hug goes to my dear friends Mustapha Mhaya, Aomar Boum, Mohamed Errihani, Ahmed Legrouri, Mohamed Rabie, Youssef Chaoui, Anas Mrabet, Adel Kamane, Ilham Lahrech, Georgios Patios, Moin Ahmed, Shereen Shaw, Deian Shaw, Ben McSkelly, Michael Willis, Amina Lahbabi, Mervyn Hack, Paula Pratt, John Picton, Samuel Kirk, Tarek Chouma, David Lawrence Quil, Said Nouamani, Gokcen Yilmaz, Katy Wareing, Issam Machichi, Ioana, Yassir Touhami, Dris Taki, Soleiman Bakkali, Amine Haddou, Hafid Mekaoui, and so many others. My love and gratitude also goes to Marina Casals and a special dedication goes to my fiancé Hajar Lmortaji for her support, care and tremendous love. I am also indebted to the city of Liverpool and its university for providing an excellent environment for study and research. I am equally thankful to Carnatic Halls of residence who provided good living and study conditions. Special thanks go to my Warden Supriya Garikipati for her patience, understanding, friendship and constant support. I am also indebted to the entire Politics department and Carnatic Halls’ staff, including administrative assistants, cleaners, and catering staff. Special thanks go to Pam, John, Steph, Lee, Jeanette, Charlotte, Ray and Val. I would also like to thank all my interviewees who dedicated precious time and shared their knowledge, expertise and experience that made the completion of this work possible. Special thanks go to President Jordi Pujol who spared no efforts in sharing his wisdom and long experience with me. I would also like to thank Eduard Soler i Lecha whose earlier comments helped in the initial phases of this research. Last by not least, I would like to thank my internal and external examiners for their time, efforts, encouraging comments and valuable feedback. 2 Table of Contents List of tables and figures ......................................................................................................... 6 List of acronyms and abbreviations ....................................................................................... 7 Chapter one - Introduction, questions, and review of literature ....................................... 10 General introduction ......................................................................................................................... 10 Research questions and assumptions ............................................................................................... 11 Research relevance, rationale and limitations.................................................................................. 14 Methodology ..................................................................................................................................... 20 Research structure ............................................................................................................................ 24 Review of literature .......................................................................................................................... 27 Publications with a predominantly southern perspective ............................................................ 28 Publications with a predominantly northern perspective ............................................................ 32 Comments on the literature review.............................................................................................. 40 Chapter two - A theoretical framework............................................................................... 42 Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 42 The proliferation of theoretical contenders ..................................................................................... 43 The theoretical framework ............................................................................................................... 47 Multi-level Governance theory ..................................................................................................... 48 Europeanization ............................................................................................................................ 51 Complex Interdependence theory ...............................................................................................