A year after Qaddafi's death, the light-footprint approach adopted for Libya's postwar transition is facing its most serious test. Security, the political transition, and economic development all present challenges. But if Libya's transitional authorities and the international community handle this issue set adroitly, Libya could still emerge as a positive force for democratic stability in North Africa and a valuable partner against al-Qaeda.
Download
Download Free Electronic Document
| Format | File Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PDF file | 0.5 MB | Best for desktop computers. Use Adobe Acrobat Reader version 10 or higher for the best experience. |
| ePub file | 2.4 MB | Best for mobile devices. On desktop computers and some mobile devices, you may need to download an eBook reader to view ePub files. Calibre is an example of a free and open source e-book library management application. |
| mobi file | 1.1 MB | Best for Kindle 1-3. On desktop computers and some mobile devices, you may need to download an eBook reader to view mobi files. Amazon Kindle is the most popular reader for mobi files. |
Purchase
Purchase Print Copy
| Format | List Price | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Add to Cart | Paperback20 pages | $19.95 | $15.96 20% Web Discount |
Research Questions
- What are the main challenges facing Libya as it transitions to democracy?
- What is the role of the countries that helped Libya oust Qaddafi in fostering that transition?
A year after Qaddafi's death, the light-footprint approach adopted for Libya's postwar transition is facing its most serious test. Security, the political transition, and economic development all present challenges. The security situation requires immediate attention and could worsen still. Until the militias are brought under state control, progress on other fronts will be very difficult to achieve. In most cases, the appropriate approach is a combination of incentives and broad-based negotiation between Tripoli and militia leaders. Only in extreme cases should the use of force be considered. On the political front, Libya and international actors deserve credit for the successful elections in July, but the political challenges ahead are significant. Libya still needs to write a constitution, and in doing so, it must determine the degree to which power is centralized in Tripoli and how to ensure inclusive yet stable governing institutions. Libya also needs to begin rethinking the management of its economy, and especially of its energy resources, to maximize the benefit to its citizens, reduce corruption, and enable private enterprise to flourish in other areas, such as tourism. Libya also needs sustained assistance — mainly technical in nature — from the countries that helped oust Qaddafi lest the transition run off the rails. Despite its role in helping topple Qaddafi, NATO is absent from Libya today. A greater role for the alliance is worth exploring, for example training Libyan security officials and forces and providing technical assistance for security-sector reform. An international Friends of Libya conference on assistance to Libya is warranted. Post-conflict transitions normally span years, and Libya's will be no different. Nevertheless, if current challenges are handled adroitly, Libya could still emerge as a positive force for democratic stability in North Africa and a valuable partner against al-Qaeda.
Key Findings
A Year After Qaddafi's Death, the Light-Footprint Approach Adopted for Libya's Postwar Transition Is Facing Its Most Serious Test
- The security situation requires immediate attention and could still worsen.
- Until the militias are brought under state control, progress on other fronts will be very difficult to achieve.
- In most cases, the appropriate approach is a combination of incentives and broad-based negotiation between Tripoli and militia leaders.
- Only in extreme cases should the use of force be considered.
Libya and International Actors Deserve Credit for the Successful Elections in July, but the Political Challenges Remain Significant
- Libya still needs to write a constitution.
- In doing so, it must determine the degree to which power is centralized in Tripoli and how to ensure inclusive yet stable governing institutions.
- Islamist inclusion will be particularly vexing in Libya given the suspect commitment of some of these groups to democratic processes.
- Qaddafi's personalistic rule left Libya bereft of capacity, including a trained civil service.
Despite Its Role in Helping Topple Qaddafi, NATO Is Absent from Libya Today
- A greater role for the alliance is worth exploring, for example training Libyan security officials and forces and providing technical assistance for security-sector reform.
Libya Needs to Begin Rethinking the Management of Its Economy, Especially Its Energy Resources
- Management of the economy should be structured to maximize the benefit to Libya's citizens, reduce corruption, and enable private enterprise to flourish in areas outside the energy sector, such as tourism.
The Countries That Helped Libya Oust Qaddafi Must Commit to Assisting with Its Transition.
- An international Friends of Libya conference on assistance to Libya is warranted.
If Current Challenges Are Handled Adroitly, Libya Could Become a Positive Force for Democratic Stability in North Africa and a Valuable Partner Against al-Qaeda
Research conducted by
This paper is the result of an ongoing research project on the future of post-Qaddafi Libya sponsored by the Smith Richardson Foundation and conducted within the International Security and Defense Policy Center (ISDP) of the RAND National Security Research Division (NSRD).
This report is part of the RAND Corporation Research report series. RAND reports present research findings and objective analysis that address the challenges facing the public and private sectors. All RAND reports undergo rigorous peer review to ensure high standards for research quality and objectivity.
This document and trademark(s) contained herein are protected by law. This representation of RAND intellectual property is provided for noncommercial use only. Unauthorized posting of this publication online is prohibited; linking directly to this product page is encouraged. Permission is required from RAND to reproduce, or reuse in another form, any of its research documents for commercial purposes. For information on reprint and reuse permissions, please visit www.rand.org/pubs/permissions.
The RAND Corporation is a nonprofit institution that helps improve policy and decisionmaking through research and analysis. RAND's publications do not necessarily reflect the opinions of its research clients and sponsors.