Blog prompt 4: SDG 6 Morocco

                                                         

                                                                                            

                    

        When it comes to state capacity, the ability of a state formulates and enacts policies effectively. Thus, this is reflected in the state’s wealth, leadership, and legitimacy. Autonomy relates to the ability of the state in wielding power independently to the public or international actors. Could be ethnic groups or individuals. Thus, determining how strong a state is. Stronger states can enforce rules and manage the economy through the collection of taxes and defending territories. Weaker states on the other hand lack the ability to perform some or all basic tasks which contribute towards a state's success. The dimensions of state strength include both state capacity and autonomy. In the case of the SDG, we see evidence of this exercise of state capacity and autonomy in the government’s ability to promote and exercise these policies set. 

        After watching the SDG presentations, I would argue that Morocco is best equipped to reach SDG 6. One of the few cases where you see this equal collaboration between government incentives and NGO resources provided for the achievement of the SDG. I believe that they have managed to establish both capacity and autonomy within the state progressively. This is a factor lacking in the state I looked into (from the energy perspective), Syria has the potential to successfully implement SDG goals however it severely lacks government initiative. And without that factor, the state is unable to realize policies for the benefit of the population.

        In terms of capacity, as discussed within the presentation Morocco government has undertaken immense responsibility in various ministerial departments and public institutions to govern the water sector. Thus, this step of leadership has prioritized the effort to ensure safe and sustainable water supply services for its citizens. In terms of wealth, Morocco remains one of the top five states with the highest GDP in Africa. And they have managed to implement this wealth towards the sustenance of SDG 6 in comparison to other wealthy countries in Africa which is arguably impressive. Providing 80% of the population in Morocco enjoying the services of a safely managed drinking water scheme.

        In terms of autonomy, I would argue that morrocoy has a lower ability to wield power away from international actors.  This again is debatable because although they do have power separate from the public a lot of their native laws have been influenced by their colonial ties to France. But this could be perceived as a good thing, as the mix of high capacity and low autonomy allows them to realize SDG 6. Such as allowing NGOs and international bodies like the UN to support the goals of the state. In comparison to Syria, which has high autonomy and low capacity we see more civil unrest due to the lack of government initiatives to provide sustainable basic resources. In Morocco’s case, this balance of high capacity and low autonomy is what allows them to be best equipped for SDG 6.