At the end of this lengthy blog, I suggest that a key to the Libyan interference from Europe is control, not over the oil itself for consumption purposes, but over where Libya invests its oil revenues. The Libyan investment authorities have had growing amounts to invest and have selected projects not only in Europe but also in African and South American countries. This gives Gaddafi some stature politically, some independence from western powers, and some economic clout as well. He and Libya become more of a power in Africa and in the world. There is also foreign direct investment into Libya from China and … Continue reading Imperialism vs. Idealism in Libya