Publications /
Policy Brief

Back
Commodity Smuggling in the Maghreb: A Silent Threat
Authors
Alexander Babuta
Cathy Haenlein
May 17, 2018

Though largely silent, and not often associated with the same levels of violence as other forms of organized crime, illicit trade threatens national and broader regional security in myriad ways. Insufficiently appreciated, first and foremost, is the way in which the cross-border smuggling of everyday commodities can open up pathways for trafficking in illegal goods, such as drugs and arms. Far from being an ‘innocent’ phenomenon, it can form a critical part of much broader, largerscale illicit networks, with significant negative impacts on national and regional security. In many cases, it intersects with higher-profile forms of trafficking, and with the operations of non-state armed actors. In light of this, it is clear that effective responses are needed ;and the current response must not treat illicit trade as a distinct, discrete problem, to be addressed separately to other criminal activity in the region.

RELATED CONTENT

  • Authors
    April 25, 2025
    The International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court play key roles in upholding international law but face criticism over selective enforcement. The ICJ’s reliance on state consent and UN Security Council enforcement often weakens its impact, while the ICC’s jurisdictional limits and selective prosecutions raise concerns about equity. Contrasting global responses to similar rulings reveal geopolitical influences. The study underscores the need for institutional r ...
  • Authors
    Policy Center for the New South
    April 24, 2025
    The countries of the Atlantic region continue to navigate a complex series of challenges that demand urgent and innovative responses. Economic and financial instability, social unrest, and shifting political landscapes are reshaping the region’s geopolitical dynamics. Pressing issues including unemployment, poverty, violence, extremism, climate change, and migration are intensifying, underscoring the need for sustainable and inclusive solutions. Addressing these multifaceted challen ...
  • April 24, 2025
    This Policy Brief explores the evolving role of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in preventing crimes against humanity and in contributing to post-conflict reconstruction. Established to deter atrocities and ensure accountability for the gravest offences, the ICC is a testament to the international community’s aspiration for a rules-based order. Despite structural limitations — from its dependence on state cooperation to jurisdictional constraints and political backlashes — th ...
  • April 23, 2025
    La proposition d’autonomie, avancée par le Maroc en avril 2007 comme base de règlement du différend autour du Sahara marocain, s’impose progressivement sur la scène internationale. Bien qu’elle soit rejetée par l’Algérie et le polisario, cette Initiative a bénéficié, depuis son lancement, d’un large soutien international, en particulier de la part des États-Unis et de la France, qui ont réaffirmé leur appui à la souveraineté marocaine sur cette région. Le 8 avril 2025 ...
  • April 23, 2025
    The United States is at a critical juncture, facing a pivotal dilemma: preserving global leadership in a world it no longer fully controls. While it proclaims its primacy in the liberal international order, its actions tell a different story—one marked by tariffs, reshoring policies, and an open attempt to contain China’s rise. This strategy is driven less by long-term vision than domestic political calculus, underscoring the urgent need for strategic recalibration. ...
  • Authors
    Policy Center for the New South
    April 23, 2025
    The 11th edition of the Atlantic Dialogues Emerging Leaders (ADEL) program took place from December 8-12, 2024, in Rabat, Morocco. This year, 41 exceptional young professionals, aged 25 to 35, were selected from a highly competitive pool of over 1,300 applicants representing 134 countries. The cohort included participants from 23 nations across the Atlantic region, spanning Africa, Latin America, Europe, North America, and Asia. They brought expertise from a wide range of sectors, ...
  • Authors
    Michael Terungwa David
    April 22, 2025
    As the world commemorates Earth Day 2025 under the theme "Planet vs. Plastics," it is a timely moment to turn our attention to one of the planet’s most overlooked heroes: the soil. Often hidden beneath our feet and largely absent from climate conversations, soil plays a vital role in sustaining life, supporting biodiversity, and buffering the impacts of climate change. Honouring the soil as Earth’s silent lifeline is not just a tribute—it is a call to action. ...
  • April 22, 2025
    The African Union’s Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security (AU PAPS) and the Policy Center for the New South (PCNS) are jointly organizing the 2nd Dialogue-Seminar on Elections and Democracy in Africa. Titled “Inclusive Governance: Amplifying Women’s Leadership in African ...
  • April 22, 2025
    في ظل التحديات المناخية المتزايدة، تبرز مقاربة "نكسوس" التي تربط بين الماء والطاقة والغذاء كخيار استراتيجي لا مفر منه. ورغم أهميتها، ما تزال مقيدَة في المغرب بعوائق بنيوية ومؤسساتية تحول دون تفعيلها الفعلي. كيف يمكن تجاوز هذه الإشكاليات؟ وما هي سبل إشراك القطاع الخاص لبناء شراكات تدعم ا...