Work

What is a resource for the people of Western Sahara? A historical synthesis of a socio-territorial issue

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This article reviews the concept of a resource and its application to the case of Western Sahara, exploring the historical understanding of a resource for the nomadic populations of Western Sahara. Furthermore, it examines the diachronic evolution of this concept in light of the colonial presence and proposes a focus on Spanish colonial discourse and propaganda regarding the Sahara’s resources. The article concludes with an analysis of how the political awareness of the Sahrawi people is reflected in the claims for self-determination formulated by the Polisario Front since its foundation.

Source: Review of African Political Economy

DOI: 10.62191/roape-2025-0012

Author: Francesco Correale

Institutions: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, CItés, Territoires, Environnement et Sociétés

Language: English

Topic: African Studies and Geopolitics

Subfield: Anthropology

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: hybrid

OpenAlex ID: W4411758683