Libya: From Colony to Revolution

Since Qaddafi’s ousting in 2011, Libya has been beset by instability and conflict. To understand the tumultuous state of the country today, one must look to its past. With great clarity and precision, renowned regional expert Ronald Bruce St John examines Libya’s long struggle to establish its political and economic identity amidst the interference of external actors keen to exploit the country’s strategic importance. This authoritative history spans the time of the early Greek settlements, colonization by Mussolini’s Italy, Qaddafi’s four decades of rule and the internal rivalries that have dominated the country in the aftermath of the Arab Spring and the colonel’s ousting. Essential reading for those seeking a greater understanding of this complex North African state, Libya: From Colony to Revolution is an insightful history, which is rich in detail and analysis.

Table of Contents:
Preface to Third Edition Preface to Second Edition Preface to First Edition Maps and Illustrations Note on Transliteration Select Chronology of Libyan History   1  Early History Historical Setting Phoenician Settlements in Tripolitania Greek Influence in Cyrenaica Roman Influence in Libya Arab Invasions Fatimids (910–1171) Hilalian Invasion Almoravids, Almohads, and Hafsids in Tripolitania Medieval Cyrenaica and Fezzan Lasting Impressions   2  Ottoman Occupation, 1551–1911 First Ottoman Occupation (1551–1711) Karamanli Dynasty (1711–1835) Barbary Wars Second Ottoman Occupation (1835–1911) Sanusi Order Foreign Schemes and Initiatives Young Turk Revolution Transformation   3  Italian Colonial Era, 1911–43 Misplaced Optimism Early Resistance and Collaboration Nascent Political Movements Tripoli Republic, 1918–22 Riconquista, 1923–32 Italian Colonial Policy Jewish Community Impact of Italian Occupation   4  Struggle for Independence, 1943–51 Liberation and Occupation Wartime Discussions Great Power Gridlock Regional and Domestic Politics Collide American Strategic Interests United Nations Decides Arab Nationalism, Aid, and Base Rights Conflicting Interests   5  United Kingdom of Libya, 1951–69 Socioeconomic Inheritance Palace System of Power Alliance Politics Western Dependence Impact of Oil National Identity Rise of Arab Nationalism Monarchy in Perspective The End   6  One September Revolution, 1969–73 Young Revolutionaries Great Power Denouement Primacy of Oil Socioeconomic Change Freedom, Nationalism, and Unity Popular Revolution Third Universal Theory   7  Revolution on the Move, 1973–86 The Green Book Direct Popular Authority Rush to Socialism Hydrocarbon Policy Confrontation with the West Arab Disunity Third Circle Declining Influence Abroad Confined to the Libyan Playhouse   8  Consolidation and Reform, 1986–98 Revolution within the Revolution Great Green Charter on Human Rights in the Era of the Masses Weapons of Mass Destruction Lockerbie European Relations Status Quo in Africa Turn to the Maghrib Rule of International Law Mounting Opposition   9  Libya Resurgent, 1998–2007 Out of Africa Looking East and West European Relations War on Terror Economic Reform Hydrocarbons, the Exception Social Conditions Political Developments Qaddafi’s Libya   10  A New Day Dawns, 2008–11 Socioeconomic Reform Political Reform Human Rights Africa Europe United States Arab Spring February 17 Revolution Military Events Political Developments End of the Beginning   11  Post-Qaddafi Libya General National Congress Elections Islamists Ascendant Constitutional Drafting Process Descent into Chaos Libyan Political Agreement Time for a Reset Europe United States Arab World Africa Who Lost Libya?   Further Reading Notes Index

About the Author :
Ronald Bruce St John is an independent scholar who has appeared on Al Jazeera, BBC World Service, CNN News and in The New York Times, amongst other publications and outlets. He has also advised a number of Fortune 500 companies and the US government. He lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Review :
‘An excellent political history of Libya…engaging.’ ‘Of all the books on Libya, Bruce St John’s is easily the most comprehensive and approachable.’ ‘A timely and necessary book…fluid in its writing and measured in its judgements.’ ‘Excellent… accessible, informative and presented with clarity… You won't find a much better overview of Libya than this.’ ‘An excellent general overview, accessible, informative and presented with clarity… Until the secret archives in Tripoli have been raked over, you won’t find a much better overview of Libya than this.’ ‘An excellent and concise history of this complex country.’ ‘Ronald Bruce St John is a committed scholar of Libya…his book offers the measured and confident tone of someone deeply familiar with the subject matter.’ ‘An excellent account of Libya’s often contentious history: clear, concise, accurate and balanced. It will be the best general work on the country available for the foreseeable future, very useful to anyone interested in the country.’ ‘For the general reader as well as for those with a good level of knowledge of Libya, there is perhaps no one better situated to...explain the country’s current and future dilemmas than Ronald Bruce St John…[an] admirable history.’ ‘Rich in historical detail...containing rare insights into Libyan leader Qaddafi’s thinking, particularly on foreign affairs. Indispensable for every serious student of Libya or North Africa.’ ‘An outstanding book...the best short history of Libya. St John has made us accustomed to first-rate analyses of Libya; this book is no exception and no students of Libya, from undergraduates to experts, could afford not to have it on their shelves.’