Factors Influencing Libyan Foreign Policy and Pathways to Revamp the System

Abstract

The historical experience of the struggle against the Italian colonialism influenced the development of the foreign policy of Libya in terms of the rise of the nationalistic feelings and the adherence to the principles of sovereignty and anti-colonialism. These influential personalities such as Omar Mokhtar contributed to the defining of the Libyan region identity. The non-alignment and pan-Arab unity of Libya affected alliances and relationships between the country and the key countries during the Cold War. Since 2011, the political unrest, such as the lack of authority, the presence of armed forces, and tribal conflicts, have complicated the consistent foreign policy and deteriorated the international position of Libya. Although oil reserves act as both the asset and vulnerability, fragmented military capacity has decreased the capacity of the country to act as a region player. Enhancing the governance, instability of institutions, and external relations are key to reforming the Libyan foreign policy.