Political Alienation in Libya

In this book, Mabroka al-Werfalli examines the extent and effects of political alienation in Libya. Using a variety of measures, the author highlights links between legitimacy and alienation and underlines certain types of political behaviour commonly associated with political alienation, in an attempt to draw attention to various causes of indifference and violent behaviour associated with political alienation in Libyan society. Al-Werfalli’s findings reveal that alienation has led to widespread political apathy and low or non-existent levels of political participation among Libyans. Every year the percentage of eligible Libyans involved in political activities has declined. the Basic Popular Congresses (BPC’s) which work as an essential vehicle for political participation within the Libyan political regime, have been treated as immature institutions by the revolutionary leadership, who have remained, in the eys of the people, the only actor of note. As a result, these trends are being increasingly interpreted as signs of the gradual exhaustion of a model for which there is no clear alternative in sight.

Mabroka al-Werfalli is a lecturer at the Department of Political Sciences at the University of Garyounis in Libya. Her main interests are Middle East politics, comparative politics, global governance, democratization and human rights in Africa and the Middle East. She is presently working on projects concerning global governance issues.

Paperback • 235 mm x 159 mm • ISBN 9780863724213 • 240 pages • £19.95

Hardback • 241 mm x 152 mm • ISBN 9780863723728 • 240 pages • £60.00