The impact of socio‐political change on economic development in Libya

Abstract

Models and plans suggested to or imposed on the developing world have found little, if any, applicability as prescriptive formulae for the transformation of those nations. Such outside proposals have contained, as a fundamental proposition, certain conditions of political and economic development, many of which do not exist in the developing world. As Rustow convincingly maintained: there is no reason to search for a single universal recipe .... Instead each country must start with frank assessment of its particular liabilities and assets, and each will be able to learn most from those countries whose problems closely resemble its own.' The present study provides evidence supporting the premises that (a) the specific socio-political environment in Libya influences the developmental operation of the policy; and (b) fundamental changes in the traditional organizations and structure of society are essential for the achievement of rapid, successful socio-political and economic development.