Javier Martinez Antonio Francisco
Research project
Unhealthy circulations: epidemics, medicine and public health in regional tensions between Morocco and Algeria (1878-1927)
Project summary
The méfiance réciproque between Morocco and Algeria is one of the major factors behind the shortcomings of ambitious trans-Maghreb cooperation initiatives or the persistence of regional conflicts such as the Western Sahara question. Our research project, essentially interdisciplinary, aims to explore the circulation of epidemics, medical personnel and public health ideas as a crucial factor in the origin of Algerian-Moroccan tensions during the crucial period of French takeover over the second territory (1877-1927). Although usually neglected in traditional political and military historiography, issues of medicine, health and disease played a major role in this regional struggle. In present-day global governance, climate, water or disease can perpetuate conflicts, but can also be a way to find peaceful, sustainable solutions.
