Geostrategic implications of population vacuum in southern Libya and its relation to political unrest in neighboring countries

Abstract

The study addressed the geostrategic effects of the population vacuum in southern Libya and its geopolitical dimensions, indicating that the southern region constitutes only 7.46% of the total population in Libya, and this small percentage indicates the disruption of the geographical distribution of the population of the Libyan state, most of whom are concentrated in the northern regions.                            

It also discussed the region's economic resources, as it is a land rich in resources, including oil and gas, which has given it strategic importance that has made it the target of the ambitions of many external parties. Despite the richness of the southern lands, it is inhabited by only a small number of people, which makes them areas of geopolitical danger that threaten the security and safety of the state. Especially with the security vacuum that the region is currently witnessing.

The study also discussed the population vacuum in southern Libya and its impact on the strength of the state It has been explained that the urban void, along with the large number of countries neighboring the southern Libyan regions ,and the length of the land borders with Sudan, Niger, Chad, and Algeria, are among the most important factors of geopolitical weakness, as the region is vulnerable to repeated conflicts from armed groups from neighboring countries, which exploited the factors of social and historical rapprochement between tribal members, as well as It suffers from smuggling activity and irregular migration.                        

The study also showed that the strategic effects of the population vacuum in southern Libya are affected by the level of general political stability of the state. Armed groups exploit the absence of the state’s influence in terms of security and economics, and seize the opportunity of political turmoil on their lands and neighboring countries, so that these groups can develop their economic capabilities and revive their financial resources to level up To create new political entities on the borders of the Libyan state.                                                    

The study concluded by presenting recommendations to alleviate the severity of the dimensions of the problem, explaining that highlighting border security and interest in development in the southern regions in all fields of life, in addition to investing the region’s resources in a manner commensurate with its development, are among the most important factors that reduce the effects of the population vacuum in southern Libya, and will transform From areas of expulsion to areas of attraction, and thus the regions of the south become areas of strategic importance in building the political power of the state and strengthening the unity of its political entity.