Shifting Sands: Qaddafi's African Journey for Influence

Abstract

This project delves into Muammar al-Qaddafi's utilization of hard and soft power mechanisms to unite Africa under his leadership. It challenges prevailing interpretations of Qaddafi's African endeavors, examining the impact of his 42-year reign on the continent's political landscape. Through an exploration of his military and economic interventions, the project assesses whether these actions hindered or facilitated his vision of African unity. Additionally, it investigates Qaddafi's softer tactics, such as cultural and linguistic initiatives, and their role in shaping his African agenda. By scrutinizing both Qaddafi's strategies and the Western response, the project seeks to unravel the complex dynamics surrounding his leadership. Through a comprehensive analysis, it aims to provide an objective evaluation of Qaddafi's success or failure in achieving influence and whether he inadvertently obstructed his own objectives.