The Development of Public Administration in Libya in the Context of a Fragile State — A Theoretical Analysis of Structural Challenges and the Formulation of a Comprehensive Reform Model

Abstract

This theoretical study aims to analyse the roots of the administrative crisis in Libya and to present a comprehensive conceptual framework for the development of public administration, within the context of a ‘fragile state’ suffering from and institutional collapse. The study employed a comparative theoretical analysis methodology, through a review of international and Arab literature on theories of administrative reform (scientific management, human relations, public choice) and contemporary approaches to development (good governance, digital transformation and re-engineering). The Libyan administrative crisis was diagnosed by analysing its four dimensions: the structural dimension (bureaucratic bloat), the legal dimension (outdated legislation), the cultural dimension (nepotism), and the technological dimension (a crumbling digital infrastructure). The study concluded that any piecemeal reform is doomed to failure, and presented a ‘three-dimensional theoretical model’ combining good governance to combat corruption, digital transformation to enhance efficiency, and restructuring to resolve the duplication of powers. The study concluded with a three-stage strategic roadmap, emphasising that the success of the reform depends on the availability of high-level political will, societal pressure and international funding.