The Polisario Front and the world : leveraging international support for Sahrawi self-determination

For over 30 years now, the Polisario Front has led the Sahrawi struggle for independence in Western Sahara. Following Spanish decolonization of the territory in 1976, Morocco claimed the territory of Western Sahara leading to a protracted war against the Polisario Front. The 1991 United Nations brokered ceasefire agreement prompted the Polisario to switch from warfare as its main tactic to leveraging international support for Sahrawi self-determination and raising awareness of the conflict. This paper discusses how the international community helps the Polisario Front gain recognition for its cause, the Polisario Front’s tactics for leveraging international support, and the limits of relying on the international community.