Libya's post-Qaddafi transition
Subtitle: the nation-building challenge
By: Christopher S. Chivvis ... [et al.].
Contributors: Rand Corporation; International Security and Defense Policy Center; Rand Corporation. National Security Research Division; Chivvis, Christopher S.
Series: RAND Corporation research report series -- RR-129-SRF
Publisher: Rand Corp.
Published: 2012
Place of publication: Santa Monica, CA]
Language: eng
Number of pages: 19
ISBN-13: 9780833078384
Subjects: Postwar reconstruction; Nation-building; Politics and government; Internal security
Description: A year after Qaddafi's death, the light-footprint approach adopted for Libya's postwar transition is facing its most serious test. Security, the political transition, and economic development all present challenges. The security situation requires immediate attention and could worsen still. Until the militias are brought under state control, progress on other fronts will be very difficult to achieve. In most cases, the appropriate approach is a combination of incentives and broad-based negotiation between Tripoli and militia leaders. Only in extreme cases should the use of force be considered. On the political front, Libya and international actors deserve credit for the successful elections in July, but the political challenges ahead are significant. Libya still needs to write a constitution, and in doing so, it must determine the degree to which power is centralized in Tripoli and how to ensure inclusive yet stable governing institutions. Libya also needs to begin rethinking the management of its economy, and especially of its energy resources, to maximize the benefit to its citizens, reduce corruption, and enable private enterprise to flourish in other areas, such as tourism. Libya also needs sustained assistance, mainly technical in nature, from the countries that helped oust Qaddafi lest the transition run off the rails. Despite its role in helping topple Qaddafi, NATO is absent from Libya today. A greater role for the alliance is worth exploring, for example training Libyan security officials and forces and providing technical assistance for security-sector reform. An international Friends of Libya conference on assistance to Libya is warranted. Post-conflict transitions normally span years, and Libya's will be no different. Nevertheless, if current challenges are handled adroitly, Libya could still emerge as a positive force for democratic stability in North Africa and a valuable partner against al-Qaeda.
Notes: "RAND Corporation research report series."--Web page (PDF).

"RR-129-SRF."--Page [20].

"This paper is the result of an ongoing research project on the future of post-Qaddafi Libya sponsored by the Smith Richardson Foundation and conducted within the International Security and Defense Center (ISDP) of the RAND National Security Research Division (NSRD)."--P. [20].

Includes bibliographical references (p. 18).
Table of contents: title: The light-footprint strategy; title: Libya's strengths and weaknesses; title: Electoral success ... but security failures; title: Moving ahead with Libya's transition; title: Meeting Libya's security challenges. The fragmented Libyan security sector; title: Risks and opportunities after the Benghazi attacks; title: Disarming Libya's militias; title: The purpose and capabilities of Libyan security forces; title: A larger role for NATO?; title: Moving ahead on multiple fronts; title: Completing Libya's political transition. Building a constitution; title: Integrating Islamists into a stable polity; title: Contending with the legacies of the Qaddafi regime; title: Energy and Libya's economic future. Managing the energy sector wisely; title: Investing Libya's energy wealth; title: Distributing Libya's hydrocarbon wealth; title: Creating opportunities for economic growth and employment; title: Assisting Libya. Supporting a Libyan-led transition; title: The chimera of perfect coordination; title: Need for sustained engagement.