When Economics Becomes a Language for Polishing a Prolonged Dispute

Not all forms of political influence are explicit or confrontational. Some operate quietly, wrapped in the language of investment, growth, and economic stability, and disseminated through international media platforms whose credibility grants authority to the narratives they convey.

Recent investigative reporting published by Marianne has brought renewed attention to this dynamic by examining the editorial and commercial practices of Forbes France, particularly its use of sponsored and branded content related to Morocco. These findings invite a necessary and timely discussion: when economic storytelling intersects with situations governed by unresolved international legal frameworks, where does editorial responsibility lie?

This article does not challenge business journalism, nor does it question Forbes as a global institution. Rather, it reflects on how influential economic narratives can—without explicit political intent—contribute to the normalization of a political and legal reality that has remained unresolved for decades, and on who ultimately bears the cost of such narrative framing.

What the Investigations Revealed

The Marianne investigations documented several recurring patterns, including a consistently favorable portrayal of Morocco, extensive reliance on “BrandVoice” or sponsored formats, and limited visibility, at times, regarding the distinction between paid narratives and editorial journalism. More significantly, they noted a persistent emphasis on economic performance and stability, alongside the marginalization of essential contextual elements, such as:

the legal framework governing the territory,

the state of rights and freedoms,

and the broader political context.

These observations are not political accusations. They are conclusions drawn from documented, publicly available journalistic investigations, raising legitimate questions about transparency and editorial balance in commercially sensitive environments. Sources: https://www.marianne.net/monde/afrique/on-est-devenu-forbes-maroc-forbes-france-nouveau-fascicule-de-communication-de-la-monarchie

https://www.marianne.net/politique/medias/forbes-france-cash-machine-et-crash-du-journalisme

Economic Narratives and the Reframing of an Unresolved Reality

From a Sahrawi perspective, the issue does not lie in a single favorable article, but in the cumulative effect of narratives that present a political and legal reality that has remained unresolved for decades as a story of economic success or an investment opportunity.

Western Sahara continues to be listed by the United Nations as a non-self-governing territory and is administered de facto, in the absence of a process that has allowed its people to freely express their political will. When economic coverage is detached from this legal context, it does not merely simplify reality—it reshapes international perception in ways that carry long-term consequences.

The Human and Psychological Costs of Polished Narratives

The absence of context is not an abstract concern. Reports issued by international human rights organizations consistently document patterns of politically motivated detention, restrictions on freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, security-based intimidation, and various forms of social and economic pressure.

When narratives of “stability” and “business friendliness” are presented without reference to these realities, those affected effectively disappear from the global media landscape. This impact extends beyond Western Sahara itself. Journalists, human rights defenders, and independent voices within Morocco are also indirectly affected when promotional narratives are amplified while critical scrutiny is marginalized.

Beyond the human cost lies a psychological one. The gap between international discourse and lived experience fosters a sense of denial and alienation, undermining trust in global media as a space capable of recognizing human suffering.

Economic and Social Implications

Positive economic storytelling also carries material implications. It is frequently used to legitimize investment, resource extraction, and market integration in territories whose legal status remains contested, often without meaningful discussion of legality, consent, or equitable benefit-sharing—core principles of international law and responsible economic engagement.

Over time, this disconnect transcends immediate political debate, shaping social structures, deepening frustration, and eroding social cohesion.

Media Responsibility in Sensitive Contexts

Media institutions are not asked to adopt political positions. They are asked to uphold fundamental professional standards: transparency, a clear separation between advertising and journalism, and respect for international legal frameworks when addressing unresolved disputes.

In contexts such as Western Sahara, the cost of polished narratives is not borne in editorial offices. It is borne in the daily lives of communities that have lived for decades under sustained political, security, and social pressure. Opening this discussion does not weaken economic journalism; it strengthens its credibility by reaffirming that the power of media lies in illumination, not embellishment.

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)