Türkiye's Strategic Engagement in Libya: Historical and Geopolitical Perspectives

Libya has emerged as a key arena for Türkiye’s growing geopolitical ambitions in the Mediterranean and North Africa. This brief traces the evolution of Türkiye-Libya relations, from their deep historical roots to Ankara’s strategic turn after 2011, shedding light on the political, economic, and energy drivers behind Türkiye’s engagement. By examining military involvement, economic initiatives, and Ankara’s dual-track approach toward rival Libyan factions, the paper highlights how Libya has become central to Türkiye’s regional influence. At the same time, it critically assesses the challenges facing this strategy, pointing to Libya’s enduring political fragmentation and the shifting dynamics of Mediterranean geopolitics as key factors shaping the sustainability of Türkiye’s role.