Conversations host Harry Kreisler welcomes war correspondent Lindsey Hilsum for a discussion of her new book Sandstorm, an account of the revolution in Libya that toppled the dictator Colonel Muammar Gaddafi. Hilsum discusses Gaddafi's 40 year reign of terror and his role as an international actor. She then traces the factors that led to his fall emphasizing Libyan nationalism, the Arab spring, and the intervention of external powers. Hilsum also analyzes the role of journalists in the continuing worldwide struggle for human dignity. She concludes with a discussion of what she learned from her experiences in Libya and speculates on the future of Libya and of external intervention in bringing about change in places like Syria.
KEYWORDS: Libya, Ethnic Conflict, Democratization, Failing States.