240 Years of U.S.–Moroccan Friendship
Conference
During the Spring 2026 semester, the final week of March will culminate in a two-day conference exploring the history, diplomacy, and cultural significance of Moroccan–American relations.
These events will bring together scholars, diplomats, cultural leaders, and students to reflect on the legacy of this enduring partnership while envisioning its future in a rapidly changing global context.
Program Overview: Conference
Friday Afternoon — March 27, 2026
- Keynote Address: Friendship Across the Atlantic: 240 Years of Moroccan–American Diplomacy
- Opening Reception: Featuring Moroccan music and cuisine
Saturday Morning — March 28, 2026
Panel 1: From Recognition to Treaty — Historical Foundations of Moroccan–American Friendship
This panel will trace the origins of Moroccan–American diplomacy, examining Morocco’s early recognition of the United States, the 1786 Treaty of Friendship, U.S. relations with North African regions, and the archival record of the two nations’ first encounters.
Panel 2: Diplomacy in Motion — Strategic and Political Relations Across Two Centuries
This panel will highlight Morocco’s evolving role in U.S. foreign policy from World War II through the Cold War and into the present, with attention to security cooperation, regional diplomacy, and shared political interests.
Saturday Afternoon — March 28, 2026
Panel 3: Culture, Exchange, and the Future of Partnership
Focusing on cultural diplomacy, educational exchange, and migration, this session will explore how Moroccan–American relations extend beyond politics into art, education, and everyday life, while considering the future of this partnership in an increasingly globalized world.