Abstract
This study investigates the neoliberal democratic reforms in post-Gaddafi era and its implications for political stability in Libya. Specifically, the study examined the contradictions of the ruling class project of democratization in Libya and their implications for political instability in the post-Gaddafi era. The study found that the democratic project as propagated by the ruling class in post-Gaddafi’s Libya is an intrinsic feature of modernization, a transition from authoritarian to more open political systems, a process linking economic reform and political liberalization perceived as not expressing an organic unity, but separate and either consecutively or concurrently linked. By viewing political instability as an inevitable pendulum of the cyclical transition from authoritarian to more democratic system, neoliberal democracy in post-Gaddafi’s Libya legitimizes authoritarianism in so far as it promotes modernization and liberal system of free market economy. The implication of the study is that the adoption of a new economic system, as well as western-style political institutions in post-Gaddafi Libya, relegating the consultation and active participation of the Libyan people undermined the democratic project. The exclusion of Libyans in the democratization process ultimately gave rise to political instability in post-revolution Libya. We therefore, recommended a referendum as a preferred option for Libyans to decide economic and political organization of Libya.
Highlights
A critical review of Libya before the Gaddafi era showed that the non-democratic monarch of Libya enjoyed cordial diplomatic relations with the West, prior to the 1969 coup
This study examined the implication of neoliberal democratic reforms in Libya on political stability in the post–Gaddafi era
The study examined the link between the neoliberal democratic reforms in Libya and political stability in the post-Gaddafi era and contended that the emphasis on the politics of democratization, in which reforms become a ruling class or an elite project, undermined democratic reforms in Libya
Summary
A critical review of Libya before the Gaddafi era showed that the non-democratic monarch of Libya enjoyed cordial diplomatic relations with the West, prior to the 1969 coup. Vandewalle (2006) noted that the popularity anti-American orientation among Arabs made the U.S government to support the conservative traditionalist style of leadership in Libya in the early years of post- independence This style was characterized by repression of public opinions considered radical or anti-west, outlawing all forms of political associations and outright use of the coercive apparatus of the state to violate citizens’ rights (Vandewalle, 2006). The U.S government provided targeted assistance to support the development of Libyan civil society and its security forces to help advance Libya’s democratic transition, promote stability and strengthen the U.S–Libyan relations (U.S Department of State, 2012). This study examined the implication of neoliberal democratic reforms in Libya on political stability in the post–Gaddafi era
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
