The impact of political division on state institutions in Libya (2020-2025)

Abstract

This study examines the impact of political division on state institutions in Libya during the period from 2020 to 2025, within the broader context of the political transformations that have taken place since 2011, which resulted in prolonged instability. This situation intensified significantly after 2014, with the emergence of competing political authorities in the eastern and western regions of the country, leading to a complex institutional reality characterized by fragmentation and multiple centers of decision-making.

The study focuses on analyzing how political division has negatively affected the performance of state institutions, weakening their efficiency and effectiveness across legislative, executive, economic, and security sectors. It further highlights the role of internal factors, such as conflicts over political legitimacy and competing interests among elites, as well as external factors, particularly regional and international interventions, in deepening and prolonging this division.

The findings indicate that the persistence of political division has led to structural imbalances within state institutions, manifested in declining administrative performance, the spread of financial and administrative corruption, lack of institutional coordination, and conflicting public policies، These challenges have significantly impacted the quality of public services, while also contributing to a broader decline in political, security, and economic stability. Furthermore, political division has weakened public trust in state institutions, fostered the emergence of a conflict-based economy, and hindered sustainable development processes.

The study aims to provide a comprehensive analytical framework that explains the relationship between political division and institutional weakness by integrating political, institutional, economic, and security dimensions. In doing so, it seeks to contribute to a deeper understanding of the challenges facing the Libyan state and to support efforts toward institutional reform, national unification, and sustainable stability.