“No future for Libya with Gaddafi”: Classical realism, status and revenge in the UK intervention in Libya

Why did Britain intervene in Libya 2011? Several explanations suggest themselves: security, R2P and status. The article shows that status was a significant motivating factor, this demonstrates dynamic helps to refine classical realist theory of intervention. calls for be seen intrinsically instrumentally, more attention paid the related motive revenge. findings (though do not prove from causal standpoint) may stronger than security state decision-makers. article’s central empirical argument is regime change last stage Britain’s foreign policy Rather, intervention revenge-driven change. saw crisis as chance preserve its great power revenge Muammar Gaddafi past wrongs.