Libya: From Colony to Independence - Softcover

St. John, Ronald Bruce

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1851685987 ISBN 13: 9781851685981

Publisher: Oneworld Publications, 2008

Synopsis

Libya is a state which, for the majority of its past, has been subjected to foreign rule or influence. Falling prey to empire builders from the ancient Greeks to Mussolini’s Italy, it only became formally independent in 1951. In the past half-century, Libya’s history has been dominated by the figure of Mu’ammar al-Qaddafi, the controversial leader who Nelson Mandela has dubbed one of the revolutionary icons of our time. St John skillfully navigates this lengthy historical period, detailing the struggles the state has had in finding its political and economic position in the world. From the early Greek settlements in the fifth century BC to the infamous Lockerbie bombing, this study is a thoughtful and enlightening introduction to the land which bridges Africa and the Middle East, and which though reviled by the West for decades as a repressive and hostile regime, is starting to seek a political détente. Ronald Bruce St John is an affiliate professor of Middle East Studies at the Institute of International Studies, Bradley University. An analyst for Foreign Policy in Focus, he is the author of Qaddafi's World Design: Libyan Foreign Policy, 1969-87.

About this title

About the Author

Ronald Bruce St John is an affiliate professor of Middle East Studies at the Institute of International Studies, Bradley University, and author of several books on the Middle East and Africa.

Review

"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, from tourists to students." -- Lisa Anderson, James T. Shotwell Professor of International Relations, Columbia University

"An excellent and concise history of this complex country." -- George Joffé, Centre of International Studies, Cambridge University

"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." -- Yahia H. Zoubir, Associate Professor of International Studies at Thunderbird, The American Graduate School of International Management, Arizona.

"Rich in historical detail... containing rare insights into Libyan leader Qadhafi's thinking, particularly on foreign affairs. Indispensable for every serious student of Libya or North Africa." -- Michele Dunne, Editor, Arab Reform Bulletin, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace

Edition details

• Publisher: Oneworld Publications
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 1851685987
• ISBN 13: 9781851685981
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 320