The Impact of Political Division on Libya’s International Standing

Abstract

A Nationally Agreed Foreign Strategy as a Necessary Step toward Restoring Libya’s International Standing In light of the instability Libya has experienced since 2011, political division has emerged as one of the most serious challenges affecting the structure of the state and its core functions, particularly foreign policy and international representation. This study is based on a central research question: What is the impact of political division on Libya’s position within the international system? It seeks to analyze the relationship between the persistence of internal political fragmentation and the decline of Libya’s effective presence on the international stage. The study aims to examine and analyze the dimensions of this impact through four main axes: First, the theoretical and conceptual framework for understanding the relationship between political division and a state’s international standing. Second, tracing the historical stages of Libya’s political division from 2011 to 2025. Third, analyzing the impact of political division on foreign policy and diplomatic representation. Finally, examining the repercussions on Libya’s image and position within the international system. The study concludes that political division has weakened the unity of Libyan decision-making, led to duality in external representation, and eroded international trust. This has negatively affected the state’s ability to negotiate, formulate foreign policy, and participate effectively in international forums. The findings also reveal that Libya has gradually shifted from an independent regional actor to an arena of external competition, contributing to the erosion of its geopolitical position. The study recommends the unification of state institutions—particularly the diplomatic apparatus—and the formulation of a nationally agreed foreign policy strategy as a necessary step toward restoring Libya’s international standing.