Tribal Politics and the Nation-State Rebuilding in Libya
Author(s): Yan Wei, Han Zhibin
Pages: 115-133
Year: 2013 Issue: 2
Journal: West Asia and Africa
Keyword: Tribal Politics; Libya; "Tribal Hierarchy"; The Third Road;
Abstract: Historically,Libya’s geo-culture was always disunited,and it’s social structure had the character of tribalization.The interaction of state and tribe is the core of nation-state building in Libya,and it’s process,with regime changes as the dividing line,can be divided into three phrases.In Idris Dynasty,Libya shifted from federalism to unitary system,and strengthened state power by "tribal hierarchy".When Gaddafi came into power,he broke the "tribal hierarchy",and built authoritarianism based on revolutionary fervor and egalitarianism.But,in the late 20th century,the Gaddafi regime beset with difficulties both at home and abroad,was forced to return to "tribal hierarchy".So,the Gaddafi regime failed to achieve the inclusion in social change through changing the political system and ideology,which ultimately led to political crisis.A new institution with different tribes and sects may be built in Libyan reconstruction,and it will be a breakthrough in the nation-state building.
Pages: 115-133
Year: 2013 Issue: 2
Journal: West Asia and Africa
Keyword: Tribal Politics; Libya; "Tribal Hierarchy"; The Third Road;
Abstract: Historically,Libya’s geo-culture was always disunited,and it’s social structure had the character of tribalization.The interaction of state and tribe is the core of nation-state building in Libya,and it’s process,with regime changes as the dividing line,can be divided into three phrases.In Idris Dynasty,Libya shifted from federalism to unitary system,and strengthened state power by "tribal hierarchy".When Gaddafi came into power,he broke the "tribal hierarchy",and built authoritarianism based on revolutionary fervor and egalitarianism.But,in the late 20th century,the Gaddafi regime beset with difficulties both at home and abroad,was forced to return to "tribal hierarchy".So,the Gaddafi regime failed to achieve the inclusion in social change through changing the political system and ideology,which ultimately led to political crisis.A new institution with different tribes and sects may be built in Libyan reconstruction,and it will be a breakthrough in the nation-state building.
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