Muammar Gaddafi’s sense of nationalism was profound, and his vision for Libya and Africa was shaped by a deep belief in self-reliance, independence, and the empowerment of his people. His policies and actions throughout his four-decade rule were driven by a desire to break free from the shackles of colonialism and Western dominance, placing Libyan and African sovereignty at the forefront of his leadership. Gaddafi’s nationalism was not merely about territorial borders but about forging a united and self-sufficient people who could stand on their own in the face of global economic powers. 1. Birth and Family Background Gaddafi's humble beginnings as a Bedouin child born into poverty near Surt, Libya , instilled in him a profound connection to his people. His early life in a harsh desert environment fostered a sense of resilience and self-sufficiency. Growing up in an era when Libya was a colony of foreign powers, Gaddafi’s early exposure to nationalist ideas inspired his drive to l...