Publication

This brief overviews the political and security situations in Libya, with a particular emphasis on the factors that are undermining the country’s stability. What's most important to remember is that there is no overarching conflict in Libya; there are merely a number of local conflicts between different actors that sometimes have a national-level impact, but only when strong groups form temporary alliances. The brief's author also reminds us that low levels of social cohesion, absent state institutions, Islamic radicalization and ready access to weapons have all contributed to the violence in Libya and represent a formidable barrier to future nation building and peace. There are, however, specific things the international community can do to help pave the way towards peace, including posting a peacekeeping force within the country.