Libya

Libya

With its proximity to Europe, its significant oil reserves, and its strategic importance to the stability of the North Africa region, the ongoing turmoil in Libya is a concern for the United States and its allies. Rival factions serving as proxies to competing regional powers continue to destabilize the country and hamper any national dialogue efforts. The role of the United States and Europe will be essential in encouraging dialogue, supporting the arms embargo, and contributing to any post-war economic revitalization plan.

Featured commentary & analysis

North Africa’s transatlantic relations amid change and continuity

MENASource Jul 1, 2026

Libya doesn’t need another elite bargain

By Karim Mezran

The US blessing of a power-sharing arrangement for Libya preserves a fragile stability today while increasing the risk of a much larger crisis tomorrow.
Libya Political Reform
North Africa’s transatlantic relations amid change and continuity

MENASource May 26, 2026

An oil windfall will not fix Libya’s economy

By Ahmed Shalghoum and Frank Talbot

Libya’s new unified budget needs transparency, accountability, and oversight to deliver for the people.
Economy & Business Libya
North Africa’s transatlantic relations amid change and continuity

MENASource May 15, 2026

The problem with the US power-sharing plan for Libya

By Karim Mezran, Dario Cristiani

The nascent US initiative may succeed in reducing tensions and creating a slightly more predictable environment for foreign businesses, but a structural transformation remains out of reach.
Corruption Libya

Programs

Perspectives on North Africa

The North Africa Initiative at the Atlantic Council’s Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East analyzes the strategic, political, and economic importance of the region for the United States and its allies. Since the 2011 Arab Spring uprisings, North Africa has undergone political and economic transformations that have impacted stability and security in the region. With its geographic crossroad between Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, North Africa continues to be an integral partner in addressing shared interests and concerns.

Learn more about the Middle East programs

Middle East Programs

Working with our allies and partners in Europe and the wider Middle East to protect US interests, build peace and security, and unlock the human potential of the region.

EXPLORE THE ATLANTIC COUNCIL’S MIDDLE EAST PROGRAMS

Content

Report

Aug 29, 2022

North Africa’s transatlantic relations amid change and continuity

By Karim Mezran, Roberto Menotti, Alessia Melcangi, Emadeddin Badi and Alissa Pavia

The purpose of this report is to identify a potential role for Italy and its diplomacy to play in North Africa, in full agreement and collaboration with the United States and the other main European actors.

Italy Libya

In the News

Aug 28, 2022

Badi quoted in Al Jazeera on the rival government clashes in Libya

By Atlantic Council

Democratic Transitions Libya

In the News

Aug 27, 2022

Badi quoted in Arab News on the political instability and violence in Libya

By Atlantic Council

Libya Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

Aug 27, 2022

Badi quoted in Al Monitor on current instability in Libya

By Atlantic Council

Libya Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

Aug 11, 2022

Mezran quoted in GIS Report about political turbulence in Libya

By Atlantic Council

Libya Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

Jul 8, 2022

Badi in ISPI: Armed groups no longer – Libya’s competitive political militias

By Atlantic Council

Libya Politics & Diplomacy

Insights & Impact

Jul 8, 2022

Mezran in ISPI: Libya – The Recent History of a Proxy War

By Atlantic Council

Libya Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

Jul 7, 2022

Libyans are protesting. What can they learn from the events rocking Tunisia?

By Karim Mezran

Tunisia is experiencing one of its most difficult moments since its independence from France in 1956.

Libya Middle East

In the News

Jun 22, 2022

Badi quoted in Reuters on the factions forming in Libya due to stalemate

By Atlantic Council

Civil Society Libya

In the News

Jun 19, 2022

Ashford in Foreign Policy: The problem with being a petrostate

By Atlantic Council

On June 19, Foreign Policy published an excerpt of Emma Ashford’s new book, Oil, the State and War, entitled “The Problem with Being a Petrostate.” In the excerpt, Ashford discusses the phenomena of oil-wealthy states being more likely than other countries to start wars. Then, Ashford rebuts the idea of the oil weapon, concluding “it is thus […]

Economy & Business Energy & Environment
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Experts

Fellow

Brian O’Toole

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Economic Statecraft Initiative GeoEconomics Center

Cuba Economy & Business

Fellow

Frank Talbot

Nonresident Senior Fellow, North Africa Program

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Economy & Business English