Corruption and Terrorist Violence Pose Obstacles to Peace

EFD Senior Fellow Magnus Norell writes about the Swedish government's decision not to recognise an independent Western Sahara (or rather the Polisario movement). Among the issues discussed, he examines what has prevented the Swedish administration from recognising the independence of Western Sahara to date and what are the implications of Sweden's decision.

Norell explains that Sweden's most recent decision not to recognise the independence of Western Sahara (in January 2016) is likely based, among other reasons, on Sweden's desire to obtain a seat on the UN Security Council, in which it must appease Arab and African voters. However, he advocates that Sweden should instead develop methods for supporting the Polisario movement in its transition to independence, rather than simply deny it.

The article is in English and can be read here.