Non-state armed groups and state-building in the Arab region: The case of post-Gaddafi Libya

Abstract

The emergence of armed groups in countries such as Libya presents an opportunity for these actors to be engaged with other political actors in the country concerned with re-building the state. This article aims to illustrate the level of potential that key armed groups have to provide stability for state-building in post-Gaddafi Libya. A typological analysis considering the variables of legitimacy, resources and support was applied to show each group’s stabilising potential. Findings showed that the groups based in Tripoli, Misrata and Zintan have a high stabilising potential relative to other groups based on these variables; therefore, it is here argued, they are more likely to contribute positively to the post-civil war normalisation process. This potential can only be realised, however, if a majority of the actors involved in Libya choose, despite current constraints, to converge their interests and establish a legitimate government recognised by all and begin the process of inclusive statebuilding.