On the Origins of the Libyan Nation

This is a really interesting work. In short, Baldinetti argues that the idea of the “Libyan nation” initially emerged in communities of exiles who left Libya during the colonial period. However, many who lived in Libya during the colonial period were instead bound by regional concerns—identifying more closely with their home regions of Cyrenaica (which was oriented more towards Egypt and the Mashriq) and Tripolitania (which was oriented more towards the Maghrib)—or, to lesser extent, Fezzan. When Libya gained independence, those who advocated for the “Libyan nation” were unable to win an electoral victory in the 1952 elections, and political parties were subsequently suspended. Nevertheless, a common “Libyan” identity has formed in some respect, mostly in relation to anti-colonialism. This is especially interesting to read in the wake of the Arab Spring, where cleavages between Tripolitania and Cyrenaica boiled to the surface once more.

The very action of writing this text is admirable, as Libya is a woefully understudied nation. Most work on the colonial period that does exist instead places Libya in Italian historiography, rather than in North African or Middle Eastern historiography. Using Libya as a subject for Italian historiography is necessary, but colonial Libya must not be seen wholly as an Italian affair. Certainly, it was part of much larger regional processes.

Yet, this book reads more like a dissertation and has numerous editorial issues. For example, “Tripolitania” is sometimes spelled “Tripolitana” and plurals are sometimes dropped where they should be. In addition, necessary articles like “a” or “the” are sometimes omitted. With a little editing, this text could be far better.