About TRAC’s Core Articles
Commissioned, proprietary analysis of key components of terrorist activities and groups, such as “Recruiting Female Suicide Bombers”, written by experts worldwide.
Non-Functiong Government Provides VacuumLibya is a “shredded state,” which is defined as the central government’s core functions have been replaced by non-government forces. Unlike a failed state, where there is a total collapse of central government core functions, the shredded state’s government continues to operate, albeit poorly. In the case of Libya, core functions, such as the protection of key infrastructure and execution of law and order duties, are taking place by militia groups. Their lack of accountability towards a non-functioning Libyan government provides a vacuum for militias to maintain their presence. Certainly, the militia-controlled government is not acceptable to many Libyan citizens -- as seen in various protest actions in Benghazi and Tripoli demanding that militia groups be removed. However, the lack of alternatives for replacing institutions gives the militia groups a temporary reprieve, with the consequence that a more intrusive form of government…
