Abstract

The case of Libya in the so-called Arab Spring has been widely debated and repeatedly marked by uncertainties and complexities. To point out the main features of the Libyan case, this chapter analyses the causes and the socio-economic drivers and forces at play in the Libyan revolution, the role played by outside powers, both Western and Arab, before, during and after the international military intervention, and finally the challenges and prospects for a successful political transition, pluralistic transformation and consolidation in Libya. The Libyan revolution will have a profound impact on local and international politics. Many local counterweights to central authority emerged during and after the war in the form of local councils and militias whose membership was based on cities, families and tribes. Indeed, the first important effect of the revolution on the country is the rediscovery of local ties at the subregional level (local and tribal). In addition to that, new values, based on pluralism and participation in the political life of the country, have emerged. Whether the older allegiances will merge with the new values and produce a vibrant and democratic republic or will clash and return to a dictatorship is the point of the struggle ahead.