Spain’s renewed engagement with Algeria has again highlighted the longstanding rivalry between Algeria and Morocco, centered largely on the dispute over Western Sahara. The dispute between Algeria and Morocco dates to Spain’s withdrawal from the territory in 1975 and pits Morocco, which claims sovereignty over Western Sahara, against Algeria, which supports the Polisario Front and Sahrawi self-determination. The rivalry has expanded beyond territorial disputes into competition for influence with Israel and the European Union, with each country positioning itself as an indispensable partner on migration, security, and energy. Experts warn the resulting mistrust and arms buildup, though unlikely to trigger open conflict, continue to stall economic integration across the Maghreb region.