It was also necessary to examine how far immeasurable power capabilities such as Qaddafi's Leadership in terms of charisma and popularity and his ideology were factors in the determination of Libyan power. One particular feature of this thesis is that it has attempted to analyse the quality of Qaddafi's leadership and has set out to establish whether Qaddafi has been a charismatic or a popular leader or both or whether his real power lies in the structure of Libyan power in the 'era of masses'. The concept of Libyan Arab unity, Qaddafi's continuous effort to seek Arab unity and his experiences had an impact upon the direction that Libyan foreign relations have taken over many decades. The other part of Libyan ideology, Islam, has been radically incorporated into Libyan foreign policy to the extent that America identified it with danger. Thus, the study focuses on Libya's balanced neutrality between national interests and ideology.
Oil is analysed as an instrument for power.
Through oil prices increases and bargaining with oil companies, Libya asserted a status and leverage in its relations with the West. However, oil has not been only a power to Libya, America has sought to exert pressure on Libyan oil capability by imposing unilateral sanctions. Similarly, Libyan armaments and military policy have been radically applied. However, the major cause of American alarm was Qaddafi's support of radical groups world-wide, Idi Amin and military involvement in Chad. The reasons for Libyan military involvement in Chad, the military operations and the American response are critically analysed and illustrated by maps.