Violence and Social Transformation in Libya

The book explores how violence has reshaped Libya's society, including inter-community and inter-personal relations, social hierarchies, elite composition, power structures, modes of capital accumulation, and governance. It also examines how violence has contributed to the creation of new communities, both inside and outside the country.

Format: Hardback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 22 June 2023
Publisher: C Hurst & Co Publishers Ltd

After ten years of conflict, Libya is emerging into a new society with profound implications for its future. The impact of violence on the country has been far-reaching, reshaping inter-community and inter-personal relations, social hierarchies, and elite composition. The conflict has given rise to new groups, networks, and identities, challenging existing power structures, modes of capital accumulation, and governance at local and national levels. This transformation has also led to the creation of new communities, both within Libya and in exile.

The volume brings together leading researchers from both foreign and Libyan backgrounds to explore these complex changes. Their contributions provide a comprehensive examination of the social dynamics that have shaped Libya during the civil war, offering insights into the country's future trajectory and its relations with the broader world.

One of the key themes explored in the volume is the impact of violence on social hierarchies. The conflict has led to the erosion of traditional power structures and the emergence of new actors and groups. For example, youth movements have played a significant role in shaping the political landscape, challenging the dominance of older generations and advocating for social and political change.

Similarly, the conflict has led to the formation of new networks and identities, particularly among marginalized communities. Women, for instance, have emerged as powerful agents of change, organizing resistance movements and advocating for gender equality. Ethnic and religious minorities have also found themselves at the forefront of the resistance, seeking to protect their rights and promote their interests.

The conflict has also had a profound impact on inter-community and inter-personal relations. The divisions and tensions that existed before the war have been exacerbated, leading to social fragmentation and polarization. However, there have also been efforts to bridge these divides, through initiatives such as reconciliation programs and community-building projects.

In addition to the impact on social structures, the violence has also contributed to the creation of new communities, both inside Libya and in exile. Thousands of Libyans have fled the country due to the conflict, seeking safety and a better life in neighboring countries. These communities have developed their own cultures, languages, and traditions, and have played a significant role in promoting Libyan culture and identity abroad.

The volume also explores the long-term consequences of the conflict on Libya's society. The country faces significant challenges in rebuilding its infrastructure, restoring social cohesion, and addressing the needs of its population. The conflict has also left deep scars, both psychological and physical, that will take years to heal.

To conclude, this volume provides a valuable contribution to the study of social change amid violence. By examining the profound transformations undergone by Libya's society, the contributors broaden the picture of Libyan society beyond the current confines of scholarship and enrich wider debates in Conflict Studies. The insights and perspectives offered by the researchers will be of great interest to scholars, policymakers, and anyone interested in understanding the complex dynamics of post-conflict societies.

Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781787389427