Guest Blogger: Kyle Andrews

Machiavelli's Relevance to Revolt in Libya

Even though it was written about 500 years ago, Machiavelli's The Prince is relevant to leaders making decisions in the world today. For example, for over four decades in Libya, unhappy Libyans have been living under the dictatorship of Muammar Gaddafi. After more than four decades, the Libyans have lead a revolt against their dictator and are currently in the process of setting up a new government. Machiavelli advised that a weak state should not form an alliance with a more powerful state, because forming an alliance with a more powerful state obligates the weaker state. The weaker state is in debt to the more powerful state for their help. The United States, in recent months, has been providing air support to the Libyan rebels on the ground. This act of the United States is tactically smart. According to the United States Energy Information Administration (EIA), Libya has the largest proven oil reserves in Africa. Once Libya establishes a new government, Libya will be in debt to the United States for their services. The new government of Libya will most likely use their abundant resources of oil to repay the United States. From the world's stand point, the U.S. supporting the country of Libya is good press, but internally, government leaders see the situation as a way to benefit from the Libyan government. Historically, the United States government has never acts out of kindness to other countries, but instead has acted with the expectation to benefit from struggling countries - particularly countries that have large oil reserves. Coincidence?