Muammar Gaddafi

Muammar Gaddafi, popularly known as the dictator of Libya, was a revolutionary leader and politician who controlled Libya for 42 years. In his four decades of being in power, he brought several changes to the Libyan government. He first served as the Revolutionary Chairman of the Libyan Arab Republic from 1969 to 1977 and later served as the ‘Brother Leader’ of the Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya from 1977 to 2011. He adopted various beliefs; he was initially committed to Arab socialism and Arab nationalism, but later ruled in accordance with his ‘Third International Theory.’ Despite coming from a poor and underprivileged family, he showed traits of a revolutionary since an early age. He created a revolutionary cell in the military which assisted him in seizing power from King Idris in a bloodless coup. Throughout his years of dictatorship, he condemned international relations with Western countries and broke diplomatic ties with several other countries, thereby establishing a reputation as an ‘international pariah.’ It was due to his increased dominance, support for international terrorism, and violation of human rights that led to a mass revolt against him. The revolt eventually resulted in the formation of ‘National Transitional Council,’ and finally the end of Gaddafi.