ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the genesis of the Libyan uprisings. First, it explores the political and military structure in the Gaddafi period. It then explains the key dynamics that paved the way for the uprisings in 2011: corruption, socio-economic and political exclusion, regional disparity, tribal favouritism, and aggressive foreign policy. This discussion of the conditions that led to the Libyan protests helps to provide context for the role that the military played during the uprisings.
