Tribalism and Democracy in Libya: State Building and Identity After Gaddafi

by Rawia Ben Khayal

Overview

This book examines the political and social role of tribes in post-Gaddafi Libya, focusing on the current democratic state-building process. It integrates both quantitative and qualitative research methods, including a survey of 1,000 respondents and in-depth interviews with 14 prominent Libyan figures. The study is supported by a comprehensive review of the historical development of Libyan tribes, revealing their longstanding prominence in local governance. Drawing from various International Relations (IR) theories—such as Realism, Constructivism, Liberalism, and Feminism—and interdisciplinary fields like anthropology, history, psychology, and literature, the book argues that while tribalism can challenge democratic state-building, especially in areas like national security and individual rights, it also provides vital social cohesion, or asabbiyyah, which is crucial for Libyan national identity.

The book’s originality lies in its interdisciplinary approach, exploring tribalism's impact not only on Libya’s internal politics but also its international relations. It introduces concepts like liminality and tribal ambiguity to explain the complex and often contradictory attitudes towards tribalism in modern Libyan society. This analysis challenges Libyan readers to confront their ambivalence towards tribalism and reflects on its role in shaping Libya's future as it strives for democracy and global integration.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781032998213
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	09/05/2025
Series:	Routledge Studies in Middle Eastern Politics
Pages:	142
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.19(h) x (d)

About the Author

Rawia Ben Khayal holds an MA in Diplomatic Studies from the University of Malta and a doctorate in International Relations from the Geneva School of Diplomacy. Her research focuses on the MENA region, with a particular emphasis on conflict resolution from an internal, in-depth perspective.     

Table of Contents

Foreword. Introduction.  1. Getting On and Off the Verandah: A Case for Interdisciplinarity  2. Footsteps in the Sand: Libyan Tribes during the Colonial Eras  3. Oil and Sandstorms: Tribalism in Independent Libya  4. State versus Tribal Borders: Irredentism in the Modern Libyan State-Building Process  5. Having One’s Cake while Eating It: Ambivalence towards Tribalism in Post-2011 Libya  6. A State-within-a-Tribe and a Tribe-within-a-State: Aspects of Liminality in Modern Libya  7. Democracy or Bedouinocracy? Tensions between Liberal Democracy and Tribal Collective Values in Modern Libya.  Conclusion