The EU, NATO and the Libya Conflict: Anatomy of a Failure

The book explores the causes and implications of the Libyan crisis since 2011 from the perspective of the EU and NATO, arguing that their prioritization of legitimacy over strategy and path dependence hindered their ability to stabilize the country. It highlights the influence of regional and global competitors and the need for a more effective use of hard power.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 254 pages
Publication date: 29 January 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The Libyan crisis, stemming from the 2011 anti-Gaddafi uprisings, has been extensively examined from the perspective of the European Union (EU) and NATO. It raises crucial questions about why these organizations were unable to stabilize the country despite the significant challenges posed by the protracted crisis to European and transatlantic interests in the region. This book argues that the failure originated from a twofold problem common to both organizations: a prioritization of legitimacy over strategy and a path dependence, characterized by an insufficient degree of adaptability to meet the diverse needs of the crisis.

To explore these issues in depth, the book employs a critical and integrated analysis of official sources, extensive interviews with EU, NATO, United Nations (UN), national government officials, militaries, NGO personnel, Libyan institutions, civil society, and media. By bringing the perspectives of both state and non-state actors to the fore, the volume sheds light on how wrong assumptions and centrifugal forces within the EU and NATO hampered initiatives, and how the inability to use hard power judiciously and effectively in an increasingly complex and multifaceted scenario exacerbated the crisis.

The book reveals how regional and global competitors, such as Egypt, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Turkey, and Russia, gained unprecedented influence in the richest African country. It underscores the importance of understanding the dynamics and complexities of the Libyan crisis to inform policy decisions and promote stability in the region.

This book will be of immense interest to scholars and students of Libya and North Africa, NATO, the European Union, security and conflict studies, Middle East studies, migration, terrorism, peacebuilding, and international relations. It offers valuable insights into the challenges and complexities of managing crises in a globalized world and provides a comprehensive analysis of the Libyan crisis from multiple perspectives.

Weight: 530g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367549497