Political Culture and Its Impact on the Trajectory of Democratic Transition in Libya (2011–2025)

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the impact of political culture on the trajectory of democratic transition in Libya during the period (2011–2025), adopting a theoretical and analytical approach that highlights the role of prevailing political values and attitudes in either supporting or hindering the democratic transition process. The study focuses on conceptualizing political culture, examining its development, identifying its core components, and analyzing its relationship with democratic transition within the Libyan context.

The study concludes that the challenges facing democratic transition in Libya cannot be explained solely by institutional or political factors but are largely linked to weaknesses in democratic political culture, declining citizenship values, lack of trust in political institutions, and the absence of a culture that embraces pluralism and the rule of law. The findings also indicate that the post-2011 transitional phase witnessed an overlap between emerging democratic values and traditional cultural patterns, which contributed to persistent political division and instability. The study argues that building a democratic political culture is a fundamental prerequisite for the success of any future democratic transition in Libya, through enhancing political awareness, strengthening citizenship values, and rebuilding trust in institutions, thereby supporting political stability and democratic state-building.