U.S. Policy and the Libyan Dilemma

Abstract

In the past few months, Egypt, Libya, and other North African and Middle Eastern states have come into the spotlight in international politics. Seemingly contagious social uprisings demanding government overhaul are springing up with the hope of bringing about the process of democratization. The African continent may be experiencing the beginning of a pivotal stage in its history, and the importance of how the United States handles this transformation cannot be underestimated. Renewed and revitalized African governments offer the United States a chance to renew and revitalize its relationship with these governments, which in some cases, is a much needed renewal. Today, Libya offers the United States one of the most complex set of conditions to which diplomats have to respond. To fully appreciate the complexity and potential at stake, a short summary of the history of U.S.-Libya relations is in order, including the role of Muammar Gaddafi in this relationship. Next, the potential of the region will be discussed, and why it should be so important to the United States. Lastly, the author will address how the United States ought to treat the current situation in Libya.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 2011
Accession Number
ADA559096

Entities

People

  • Paul Sikkema

Organizations

  • United States Air Force Academy

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Counter WMD
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Africa
  • Anchors (Structural)
  • Berlin
  • Civil War
  • European Union
  • Governments
  • Human Rights
  • Insurgency
  • International Relations
  • Law
  • Military Operations
  • Political Movements
  • Revolutions
  • Social Media
  • Social Networking Services
  • United States
  • Violence

Readers

  • Economics
  • International Relations, focusing on Korea-Africa and North Korea-South Korea relations, and Nigeria-Latin American Relations.
  • Nuclear Non-Proliferation and International Security