Research On Gaddafi’s Foreign Policy From The Perspective Of Identity(1969——2011)

Libya has multiple identities during Gaddafi’s period.They are Arab identity, Islam identity and Africa identity.They have played different roles on Libya’s diplomatic policies at different stages. From the perspective of identity,Libya’s diplomatic policies during Gaddafi’s period can be roughly divided into two phases.The first phase is from1969to1980s,it was effected by Arab and Islam identity.During the phase,Gaddafi insisted on opposing Israel and imperialism states.He supported the Arab cause and aligned with Arab States to strengthen the power of the Arab world.However,he implemented the radical policies,so his country was ostracized by the international social and encountered diplomatic predicament.The second phase from1980s to2011,it was effected by Africa identity.ln this phase,Gaddafi took a soft foreign policy approach.He helped African countries to resolve their own countries’ problems, and wanted to union African countries.Simultaneously,with the help of African countries,Gaddafi broke thought the diplomatic predicament, gradually restored his international status and repaired therelationship with Western countries.The difference of these two phases’s foreign policies reflectsGaddafi ‘s idea had been transformed.It transformed from radicalismand idealism to moderatism and pragmatism.Gaddafi gradually knewif he want to be accepted by international society,he must complywith international order and make policies from his country’s actualconditions. But at the same time Gaddafi heavily depended ontribalism which made a serious effect on domestic and diplomaticpolicies.Gaddafi’s foreign policy accelerated the development of Libya andthe diplomatic relationship with other countries.However, Libya’spowerful tribal identity and fragile national identity restrictedGaddafi’s foreign policy. Gaddafi’s regime collapsed in2011, it isuneasy to predict Libya’s foreign policy in the future. However, thefactor of identity still has an important impact on Libya’s foreignpolicy.