Egyptian-Turkish Rivalry and Its Impact on Libyan National Security

Abstract

This study aims to identify the motives and causes of competition among certain countries within the context of the Libyan crisis since 2011, clarify its foundations and objectives, identify the most prominent threats to Libyan national security, explain the main factors that contributed to its emergence, and explore ways to strengthen Libyan national security to confront these threats.

The study's main problem revolves around the following question: What are the underlying motives for international competition over Libya, and what is the impact of these current international rivalries on the Libyan situation? How can these rivalries be addressed, and how can a framework be established to strengthen Libyan national security under these circumstances?

The study's hypothesis suggests that the Egyptian-Turkish competition in Libya is based on each country enhancing its capabilities in the region as an international actor to achieve its national interests, and on their growing concerns regarding the threats facing these interests. The study concluded that this hypothesis is valid.

To verify this hypothesis, the descriptive-analytical method was used. The study also reached several conclusions, most notably that both countries succeeded in playing a prominent role in the Libyan issue, actively participating in the Libyan crisis and harnessing their political and military capabilities to achieve their objectives.

Despite the numerous challenges Turkish foreign policy faced as a result of its intervention in Libyan affairs,
it maintained its presence in Libya.