Abstract
The current global political system has expanded the concept of external factors from the influence of states to the effect of regional and world organizations, multinational corporations, and media. Although internal variables may explain a large portion of the variance, this chapter focuses on the external factors due to methodological reasons and space limitations. In this regard, several questions require further research: How and why did Libya’s efforts fail to transfer from an interim democratic process into a state of democratic institutions? What are the most affecting external variables on democratization in Libya post-Kaddafi? Furthermore, how do the external factors influence democratization in Libya post-Kaddafi? As far as the hypotheses are concerned, there are two basic and null ones that either assumes a causal or covariant relationship between democratization and external intervention in Libya post-Kaddafi era. Since this chapter focuses on the impact of external factors on democratization in Libya; therefore, it briefly examines the effect of ten variables that represent opportunities, and ten others reflect threats. Consequently, two steps are taking. Firstly, the Berlin Conference was analyzed quantitatively to explore its stand on democratization in Libya. Secondly, run a statistical analysis, e.g., correlation coefficient and regression, regarding the impact of an external intervention on democratization in Libya post-Kaddafi era. Accordingly, this chapter may divide into five main sections: Scope and methods, democratization in Libya post-Kaddafi, External milieu: opportunities and threats, the impact of external factors on democratization in Libya, and a conclusion. Keywords: Democratization, External Factors, Intervention, SWOT Analysis, Threats, and Opportunities.