The Influence of the International System on the Reality of Libyan Foreign Policy

(1969–2011)

This study aims to clarify the impact of the international system on the reality of Libyan foreign policy during the period from 1969 to 2011. This era witnessed significant changes, as the international system transitioned from bipolarity to unipolarity. Such a shift greatly influenced the behavior of Libyan foreign policy, both in terms of the ability to maneuver and exploit the balance of power, and later in terms of losing that space in favor of limited options. This transformation prompted Libyan foreign policy-makers to adopt new choices that aligned with the evolving international system resulting from the collapse of one of the poles of the bipolar world order.