’Minorities and Cultural Groups in Libya: The Case for Multiculturalism

Date

2015-1

Type

Chapter

Book title

Author(s)

Youssef Mohammad Sawani

Pages

235 - 256

Abstract

This contribution is grounded in the tradition of multiculturalism. As a policy and approach, multiculturalism involves comprehensive responses to cater to contexts of ethnic and cultural diversity (Inglis 2003, 8). This chapter, while providing an account and analysis of the ethnic composition of Libya, is also an attempt at understanding why multiculturalism was not considered or employed as an approach to recognizing and managing diversity in contemporary Libya. It further explores the potential for the adoption of a multiculturalist approach in Libya. Given that the country underwent a bloody and violent confrontation with Qaddafi's authoritarian rule, it is interesting to explore how cultural and ethnic dynamics will feature in the building of the new political system. The main argument presented here is that social rifts developed within the fabric of Libya's society because multiculturalism was not embraced, a~d hence it offers the best policy options for structuring (~r may ~e remventing) Libya's politics after decades of authoritarian dictatorship and exclusion .

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