US Inconsistency Threatens Global Order
The world is still grappling with the consequences of Russia’s annexation of Crimea and occupation of Ukraine, but another flashpoint in international relations has gone unnoticed: Morocco’s continued occupation of Western Sahara. The United States’ inconsistent stance on self-determination and sovereignty is eroding the very foundations of the global order.
A Troubling New Status Quo
In 2003, the US-led coalition invaded Iraq with limited UNSC support, legitimizing intervention and threatening national sovereignty. Since then, Russia has referenced this invasion to justify its own actions in Ukraine. Morocco’s occupation of Western Sahara, recognized by only a handful of countries, is part of a troubling new status quo where states face little international resistance when invading and occupying foreign territories.
The United Nations’ Role
The United Nations has consistently condemned Israel’s occupation and settlement of Palestinian territories, with 899 resolutions since 1946. However, these statements must be backed by states’ commitments to the rules upon which they are built. The US recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara in 2020 undermined the UN’s position and damaged its functions.
The Consequences of Inconsistency
The international system is built on principles of sovereignty, self-determination, and territorial integrity. Every Security Council member has drawn exceptions for themselves, eroding the perception that these rules should govern all countries. The actions of powerful states like Russia, Morocco, and Israel matter profoundly for the continued functioning of the system.
A Call to Action
The US has an opportunity to restore its credibility by supporting Western Sahara’s independence. By doing so, it would reinforce its commitment to national sovereignty and self-determination, opposing attempts at conquest. The rules-based order is in crisis, partly due to the US’ inconsistent stance on international norms.
- Reversing course on Western Saharan sovereignty would be an easy choice, as Morocco’s position remains contested.
- In supporting long-stalled efforts for a referendum, the US would support democracy and the rules that govern the international order.
Experts Warn of Consequences
“Validating Russia’s territorial claims sets a dangerous precedent,” says Joseph Huddleston, an associate professor in the School of Diplomacy and International Relations at Seton Hall University. “If we choose to pursue states based on ethnic, racial, or religious homogeneity, we would still be waging bloody wars decades later.”
The Need for Change
The consequences of ignoring international norms are far-reaching. As global tensions escalate, it is imperative that the US renews its commitment to upholding the principles of sovereignty, self-determination, and territorial integrity.
[Image: A map of Western Sahara, a disputed territory in North Africa, highlighting Morocco’s occupation and the Polisario Front’s struggle for independence.]