27Received 15.06.2024. Revised 17.07.2024. Accepted 19.08.2024.
Abstract. This article examines the evolution of Egypt’s foreign policy towards Libya, highlighting the significance of the recent developments for understanding the shifts both in Cairo’s foreign strategy and regional military and political dynamics. The persistent Libyan conflict presents a formidable challenge to international and regional security. Egypt’s engagement in Libya is driven by its national security concerns, with special emphasis on the need to maintain Libyan territorial integrity, stabilize the country’s military-political landscape, and prevent Islamist resurgence. The article underscores the securitized nature of Egypt’s foreign policy, characterized by its readiness to employ force to ensure national interests. However, the author also points to Cairo’s strategic flexibility while balancing military and political measures, demonstrating willingness to adapt approaches without abandoning core objectives, and fostering dialogue. Actively working to stabilize Libya, Egypt aims to mitigate risks to its national interests, including the ones in the realm of economy. Cairo’s goals include support to Libya’s integrity as a state, reducing foreign interference, ensuring border security, enhancing Egyptian regional influence, and protecting its economic stakes. These efforts mirror the broader regional trend in the foreign policies of the key regional actors who – amidst the continuing (and even worsening) conflicts and destabilization in the Middle East – have started to seek de-escalation since the early 2020s, driven by the realization that costly military strategies require reassessment. Recognizing the importance of cooperation for the goals of economic prosperity and security, key regional actors increasingly value pragmatism and flexibility in their foreign policy approaches.
Keywords: Egypt, Libya, Libyan crisis, Middle East and North Africa, foreign policy, security, non-traditional threats, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Halifa Haftar
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