Publication

This commentary argues that NATO operations in Libya have fostered the illusion in politicians and military planners that it is possible for outside powers to support regime change without the need to embark on counterinsurgency operations or externally-driven state-building. It further argues that it is premature to consider Libya as a model for future military interventions. Indeed, NATO's Libyan effort demonstrates just how unwilling and unable its members are to prepare for (and pay) the full costs of similar contingencies in the future.