Transitional Justice and National Reconciliation: Assessing Institutional Legitimization in Post-Gaddafi Libya

Global Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies | Vol. 3, No. 12, December 2012 | pp. 208–216

DOI: 10.46882/2012/GJPCS/000045

Article Type: Original Research Paper

Title: Transitional Justice and National Reconciliation: Assessing Institutional Legitimization in Post-Gaddafi Libya

Names of Authors: Mustafa Al-Kib¹, Elena Rostova²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Department of Political Science, University of Tripoli, Tripoli, Libya; ²Institute for Conflict Analysis, Saint Petersburg State University, Saint Petersburg, Russia

Abstract: The rapid dismantling of authoritarian regimes can create structural power vacuums, challenging the initial legitimacy of newly established transitional justice mechanisms. This study empirically examines the performance and public perception of local judicial initiatives during Libya's ongoing political transition. Data were gathered through a multi-stage cluster sampling framework, surveying 550 respondents across three cities alongside 12 focus groups with local legal practitioners. Quantitative metrics measured perceptions of procedural fairness and tribal representation on a 5-point Likert scale. The statistical findings reveal low overall trust in centralized transitional mechanisms (Mean = 2.1 ± 0.5), driven by perceived structural biases and a lack of localized enforcement. Conversely, correlation indices show that integration with customary tribal mediation bodies significantly enhances community compliance with local peace pacts (r = 0.64, p < 0.01). The empirical evidence demonstrates that top-down legal frameworks fail to stabilize deeply fractured societies unless aligned with indigenous security dynamics. The study recommends building hybrid legal frameworks to minimize localized reprisal violence.

Keywords: Transitional Justice, Authoritarian Collapse, Libya, Tribal Mediation, Institutional Trust, Procedural Fairness, Hybrid Courts

Manuscript Timeline: Received: August 20, 2012; Revised: October 22, 2012; Accepted: November 14, 2012; Published: December 12, 2012

Citation: Al-Kib, M., & Rostova, E. (2012). Transitional Justice and National Reconciliation: Assessing Institutional Legitimization in Post-Gaddafi Libya. Global Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies, 3(12), 208–216. DOI: 10.46882/2012/GJPCS/000045

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