How Libya turned gridlock and polarization into a way of lifeHafed Al-GhwellLibya’s predicament is a testament to how entrenched dysfunction can become a deliberate mode of governance. The roots of Libya’s “dysfunctionism” lie in the political fractures that emerged post-2011, following the fall of Muammar Qaddafi. In essence, Libya’s political elite has managed the bizarre — i.e., the effective institutionalization of gridlock to the point where it has become a deliberate governance strategy. The ensuing turmoil deters foreign investment, disrupts daily life, and keeps Libya tethered to external negotiations — a perfect breeding ground for corruption and rent-seeking. A collective reluctance to impose asset freezes or more stringent financial controls out of fear of losing access to Libya’s oil and markets only deepens an existing divide.

Source: Libya Today November 16, 2024 18:34 UTC