Publication Tracks Morocco's Protest Transformations

A new collective publication, 'Protest Movements in Morocco: From the Rif Movement to Gen Z Protests.. An Attempt to Understand,' offers an academic perspective on the shifting landscape of activism in Morocco. The book aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the transformations in protest actions over recent years, employing legal, political, and sociological approaches.

Published by the Laboratory of Research in Public Law and Legal and Political Studies at the Faculty of Legal, Economic, and Social Sciences in El Jadida, in partnership with the Laboratory of Political and Public Law Studies at the Faculty of Law in Fez, the work is supervised by Doctors Mohamed Zahraoui, Rachid Merzouki, and Abdelghani Ammari.

The book emerges amid growing discussions about protest forms in Morocco, influenced by social, political, and digital changes. It seeks to move beyond simplistic interpretations, treating protest as a complex phenomenon where legal, economic, social, political, and cultural dimensions intersect. The authors argue that protest has evolved from a mere reaction to specific circumstances into a significant form of expressing demands for rights and participating in public discourse.

This evolution is fueled by increasing awareness of citizenship and the expanding use of digital platforms, which have reshaped mobilization strategies and interactions within the public sphere. The book delves into Morocco's recent protest history, examining key moments like the Rif movement and the emergence of Gen Z-led protests. It highlights shifts in organizational methods, mobilization tactics, and the influence of social media in fostering new actors.

Furthermore, the publication discusses the relationship between protest and public policies, reviewing development initiatives and institutional reforms in Morocco. It acknowledges that persistent regional disparities and social challenges mean protest remains a subject requiring multifaceted approaches for understanding its causes and trajectories. The book also addresses challenges related to protest, including the roles of intermediary institutions, organizational frameworks, communication channels between actors and authorities, and the impact of the digital space on traditional protest methods. It includes studies on digital public space, legislative protest, and the role of social media, with a specific focus on Gen Z as a new force in the protest scene.