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Red Shades of Green: Ecological Narratives of the Moroccan Radical Left
Abstract
This paper explores the ecological narratives and imaginaries of the Moroccan radical left, analyzing how environmental discourse is integrated into their broader ideological and political agendas. The radical left in Morocco, comprising several political parties and movements, has historically articulated a critique of neoliberal policies and their environmental impacts, advocating for alternative, sustainable models of development. This paper delves into the conceptual frameworks and narratives employed by these actors to mobilize support and articulate their visions for an ecologically sustainable future, rooted in social justice and equity. Adopting a qualitative approach, this paper draws on a range of sources, including party manifestos, publications, interviews, and analysis of protest movements. It situates the Moroccan case within the broader context of global environmental politics and (radical-) leftist ecological thought, offering a comparative lens through which to understand the specificity of Moroccan ecological imaginaries, and the linkages and influences that shape it. The research identifies key themes in the Moroccan Left's emerging ecological discourse, including critiques of capitalist exploitation of natural resources, food sovereignty goals, and the integration of indigenous knowledge systems in environmental stewardship. Moreover, the study highlights the role of ecological issues in shaping political activism and identity among the Moroccan left, demonstrating how environmental concerns are interwoven with demands for democratic governance, human rights, and socioeconomic change. This approach reveals the potential for ecological issues to serve as a catalyst for broader social and political transformations, challenging traditional narratives of environmentalism as a secondary concern to economic and political struggles. This study contributes to the emerging scholarship on “Green” politics in the MENA region, offering insights into the ways in which ecological concerns are mobilizing new forms of political engagement and discourse. By examining the ecological imaginaries and narratives of the Moroccan left, this study underscores the significance of environmental issues in contemporary political movements and highlights the potential for alliances in pursuit of more sustainable and equitable futures. In doing so, it not only enriches our understanding of leftist politics in Morocco, but also contributes to the broader debates on the intersections of environmentalism, politics, and social change in the MENA region.
Discipline
Sociology
Geographic Area
Maghreb
Morocco
Sub Area
None