All Necessary Measures?: The United Nations and International Intervention in Libya

The international intervention in Libya after the 2011 uprising was initially considered a success, but it soon failed to establish authority, split the country into rival administrations, and exploded into civil war. Ian Martin questions the justified response to the threat against civilians, the Security Council resolutions, NATO's actions, Special Forces operations, the possibility of a peaceful political settlement, post-conflict planning, and the timing of the first election.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 28 April 2022
Publisher: C Hurst & Co Publishers Ltd

The international intervention following the 2011 Libyan uprising against Muammar Gaddafi was initially seen as a remarkable success. The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) invoked the responsibility to protect doctrine for the first time, preventing a potential civilian massacre. It also provided an opportunity for democratic forces to lead Libya out of a forty-year dictatorship. However, this optimism was short-lived. Successive governments struggled to establish control over the numerous armed groups, leading to divisions among regions and cities, including Islamists and others. This fragmentation resulted in rival administrations and eventually escalated into civil war.

Ian Martin, in his firsthand account, delves into the critical questions raised by the international engagement. He examines whether the response to the threat against civilians was justified. He explores the factors that led to the Security Council resolutions, including authorizing military action. Martin also sheds light on NATO's actions upon receiving that authorization, the role played by Special Forces operations in the rebels' victory, and the possibility of a peaceful political settlement. He discusses the post-conflict planning undertaken and assesses whether a significant peacekeeping or stabilisation mission during the transition could have been implemented. Additionally, he questions whether the first election held too soon and the reassessment of Western interventions as Libya continues to struggle for stability.

This unique account of a critical period is provided by a senior international official who was closely involved in the events. Martin's insights offer valuable perspectives on a complex and challenging chapter in Libya's history, providing valuable insights for policymakers and scholars alike.

Weight: 406g
Dimension: 223 x 149 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781787385849