"The U.S. Foreign Policy towards the United Nations between the Administrations of Barack Obama and Donald Trump: The Libya Crisis as a Model."

Abstract

     This research provides a comparative analytical study of United States foreign policy toward the United Nations in managing the Libyan crisis, highlighting differences in approaches and tools between the Obama and Trump administrations. The study demonstrates how President Obama pursued military intervention through United Nations Security Council resolutions under the umbrella of the Responsibility to Protect, yet failed to establish an effective plan for rebuilding Libya’s state institutions, resulting in a broad security vacuum. Conversely, the Trump administration chose to withdraw from the political process, focusing instead on targeting terrorism through airstrikes, which allowed competing regional and international powers to strengthen their influence in Libya. The research further explores the United Nations’ limited capacity to enforce its resolutions due to divisions among major powers, as well as the impact of international rivalry on the failure of peace efforts. The findings confirm that the lack of a clear strategic vision by consecutive U.S. administrations contributed to the persistence of chaos and division within Libya. The recommendations emphasize the need for a balanced American policy that supports the United Nations and fosters Libyan security beyond narrow self-interests.