The Emergence of Nationalist Politics in Morocco: The Rise of the Independence Party and the Struggle Against Colonialism After World War II

The end of World War II intensified Morocco's nationalist struggle against French colonial rule, with the establishment of the Istiqlal (independence) party and the Moroccan sultan's emergence as a national leader. These developments, however, were not a linear process that ended with the party securing a prominent political position. The Emergence of Nationalist Politics in Morocco presents a far more turbulent portrayal, with its detailed account of the Istiqlal's emergence in the 1940s. It provides an in-depth study of the rise of Morocco's leading nationalist party, along with a focus on the weakness of Moroccan political parties, evident already in the early years of the struggle against French colonialism.

Drawing on a wide range of previously unpublished Moroccan, French and American sources, Daniel Zisenwine presents the background to the party's establishment, its initial actions and demands, and an extensive discussion of its social activities aimed at mobilizing the Moroccan public in the anti-colonial struggle. Combining a social and political history of the Istiqlal, he examines the party's relatioship with the Moroccan sultan and analyzes the Moroccan monarchy's position. The book's later chapters focus on the French decision to exile the Moroccan sultan in 1953, in an effort, in an effort to quell the rising nationalist sentiment. This event was a turning point in Moroccan nationalist politics, unleashing widespread public anger. By that time, the Istiqlal had emerged as the leading nationalist political organization, but remained subordinate to the monarchy's leadership, even as it continued to shape Moroccan politics.

The Emergence of Nationalist Politics in Morocco offers new insights on the roots of contemporary Morocco's peculiar political tradition, which underscores the monarchy's centrality. It offers answers and approaches to scholars, students, and the general reader interested in international politics, the Maghreb, and particularly the inner workings of this pivotal North-African Kingdom.

Daniel Zisenwine is Research Fellow at the Moshe Dayan Center for Middle Eastern and African studies, Tel Aviv University.