Energy Diplomacy in a Fragile State: Turkish and Russian Competition in Libya’s Oil Sector

Abstract

Since the collapse of Muammar Gaddafi’s regime in 2011,
Libya has remained a fragile state characterized by
institutional fragmentation, political instability, and contested
sovereignty over its vast oil resources. In this volatile
environment, external actors have increasingly used energy
diplomacy as a strategic tool to gain influence, economic
advantages, and geopolitical leverage. This study examines
the competitive energy diplomacy of Turkey and Russia in
Libya’s oil sector, analyzing how their interventions influence
energy governance, national stability, and regional energy
security. Based on energy security and geopolitical
competition frameworks, the research employs a qualitative
comparative approach, utilizing secondary data from policy
documents, United Nations reports, National Oil Corporation
publications, and peer-reviewed literature. The study finds
that Turkish engagement highlights institutional partnerships
and political alignment with internationally recognized
authorities, while Russian involvement relies more on security
leverage and indirect control mechanisms related to strategic
positioning. The rivalry between these actors has worsened
Libya’s governance challenges, weakened institutional
coherence, and complicated post-conflict energy sector
reforms. Ultimately, the study concludes that although Turkish
and Russian energy diplomacy have temporarily stabilized
certain production zones, their competitive strategies pose a
threat to long-term energy security and sustainable state-
building in Libya. These findings contribute to broader
discussions on energy diplomacy in fragile states and provide
policy insights for managing external interventions in post-
conflict energy governance.