Morocco and Algeria: Between Rooted Soft Power and Desperate Imitation
In the realm of politics and diplomacy, soft power does not arise overnight, nor is it confined to hollow slogans or media campaigns. Rather, it is the result of historical accumulation, legitimate institutions, and a strategic vision that endows it with credibility and cross-border influence. This was the focus of an analytical feature by Moroccan journalist and expert Shama Darshoul in the weekly “Assahifa,” which shed light on the deep disparities between Morocco and Algeria in employing this effective yet invisible weapon. Darshoul cited the opinion of a German expert who asserted that “true soft power is not built on coercion or pretense; it requires legitimate institutions and actual influence in society, which cannot be replicated through ad hoc political decisions.”
However, the official Algeria, which has not grasped the essence of this proposition, appeared to be moving against logic. Instead of establishing soft power through its own tools, it took the easy route of imitation, attempting to clone what Morocco has accumulated over centuries—from the cultural dimension to the religious aspect—where it collided with a legitimacy wall. Morocco, due to its history, embodies a model of authentic soft power based on a robust civilizational heritage, while Algeria chose to preoccupy itself with comparison and denigration, trying to undermine what it lacks instead of building what it needs.
The institution of the Emirate of the Faithful, as a rooted religious and political establishment, represents one of the cornerstones of Moroccan soft power, not only because it ensures internal stability but also because it has made Morocco a regional reference in managing religious affairs, thanks to its radiance in Africa and Europe through institutions like the Mohammed VI Institute for the Training of Imams, which has become a destination for students from various parts of the world. When Algeria attempted to emulate this model, it found itself facing a legitimacy dilemma, as religious influence cannot be enforced through administrative decisions or seasonal initiatives. Influence in the religious sphere, as seen in Morocco, requires a longstanding heritage and an institution that enjoys internal consensus and external appreciation—qualities that Algeria lacks, leaving its attempts resonating only domestically and incapable of penetrating regional or international arenas.
On the cultural front, Morocco has managed to impose its mark globally through cinema, art, music, and cuisine—all of which have become part of the global cultural identity. In contrast, Algeria entered this field late, trying to imitate the Moroccan experience without possessing the tools for success. Soft power is not merely about festivals or promotional campaigns; it requires genuine cultural depth and long-term investments, making Algeria’s attempts seem like wearing an ill-fitting loose garment.
What Shama Darshoul revealed in her analysis goes beyond methodological differences to reach the crux of the matter: Morocco relies on a deeply rooted historical legitimacy, while Algeria seeks to compensate for this deficiency through the imitation of ready-made templates, without possessing the foundations that ensure their success. Soft power is not a temporary propaganda tool; it is a system that demands credibility, legitimacy, and the capacity for long-term influence. Morocco has internalized this rule for a long time, establishing its soft power upon solid foundations that have made it a regional and international player, while Algeria is still searching for an identity for a soft power that lacks authenticity, mistakenly believing that influence can be bought or copied when it is truly acquired through wise practice and historical accumulation.
